William David Key

KEY, WILLIAM DAVID, Lt. Colonel, USAF (Ret) - 93, Shannondale Community, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 17, 2010. Born in Jackson, TN, son of Col. John D. Key, Wilma Hicks Key, and stepmother, Katherine Taylor Key, Bill leaves a loving wife, Arlene, of 64 years, a devoted family and a multitude of friends. His infectious smile and caring ways will always be remembered. As a military son, Bill had a passion for flying and was an avid polo player. He attended Auburn University, transferring to the University of Alabama to study Aeronautical Engineering. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. He entered flight training, joining the U.S. Army Air Corps to serve in World War II. A test and combat pilot, in the North African Desert Campaign, based in Egypt, he survived being shot down twice. He was awarded the US Army Air Force Air Medal. He subsequently served in the China-Burma-India Theatre.He served during the Korean War, receiving the Bronze Star for meritorious service. During the Vietnam War, he returned to Korea as an assistant advisor to the Ministry of National Defense, receiving a certificate of achievement from the Korean government. He then served in the Philippine Islands with partial duty in Vietnam in the Inspector General Section of the 13th Air Force. He retired from the Pentagon, receiving the Air Force Commendation Medal. He was a graduate of the USAF Command and Staff School and the USAF Fighter Weapons School. He was a graduate of the Flight Safety Research University in California. After retiring he worked as a Project Engineer for Boeing-Vertol, helicopter Division. He earned Command and Commercial Pilot wings. His next retirement was to Marco Island, FL, where he was a real estate broker. He was Commodore of the Marco Island Yacht Club, President of Kiwanis, and a Coast Guard Auxiliary instructor. He loved golf and boating. He and Arlene eventually moved to Tellico Village, TN. He was a member of the Tellico Community Church, a charter member of Kiwanis, and an original member of the "Over the Hill" golfers and an early organizer of the Tellico Military Club. In addition to his wife, he leaves daughters Linda Langley and husband, Edmund Keith Langley of Royal Oak, MD, Leslye Key of Sevierville, TN, and son William David Key, Jr. of Ft. Meyers, FL. He also leaves four grandchildren, a brother, John Key of Pensacola, FL, and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 21, 2010 at 3:00 PM at the Tellico Village Community Church with Rev. Martin Singley officiating. Full military honors will be conferred by the Loudon County Veterans Honor Guard. A reception will follow in the Christian Life Center. Click Funeral Home has made funeral arrangements www.click-funeralhome.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Tellico Village Community Church Memorial Fund, 130 Chota Center, Loudon, TN 37774 or The Air Force Memorial Foundation, One Air Force Memorial Drive, Arlington, VA 22204.