Austin Guthrie Key

Austin Key Jr. of Jacksonville, Florida went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 under Hospice care surrounded by family. He was born in Headland, Alabama on September 8, 1929 to Austin Sr. and Lillian Key. Austin graduated from Appling High School at the age 16. In Georgia at that time, there were only 11 grades; Austin attributed this to the fact that people in Georgia were smart enough that they only needed 11 years to learn everything. Upon graduating, Austin received a scholarship to play football at Georgia Middle College in Atlanta. After undergoing surgery for acute appendicitis, he was unable to play ball, but continued his first year in Pre-med studies before transferring to UGA Atlanta Extension School.

After turning 18, Austin enlisted in the Navy under a program which allowed him to serve active duty for one year, and then remain on active reserves for six years. He was part of a TBM torpedo squadron bomber group that was sent to Jax Cecil Field. While at Cecil Field, Austin met his best friend, Bob Anderson. They worked a “tropical schedule” that allowed them to get off at 2pm, where they would then take a bus into the Five Points area of Jacksonville. They began attending Riverside Presbyterian Church, where Bob met his wife, who would introduce Austin to her good friend from college, Ann. Austin and Ann continued to date while he was stationed at Cecil Field. At the age of 19 after completing his active duty service in the Navy, Austin transferred to Florida State University where obtained his degree in accounting. After graduation, he married Margaret Ann Reynolds in 1951, followed by the birth of three sons. Austin spent most of his career in Jacksonville, FL, initially working for Hall and Fisher CPA firm for six years, and later working within the automotive industry. He built many relationships with coworkers and leaders in the business community throughout his career, especially during his tenure as President of the civic organization.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Ann and survived by his three sons, Steven Key, Michael Key (Tina), and David Key (Adrienne); grandchildren, Kristen Beach (Heath), Rachael Key, Michael Key Jr. (Lauren), and Brittany Wallace (Nathan), Scott, and Robert (Nikki), Daniel (Ally); many great-grandchildren, Gavin, Ascher, Leighton, Declan, Maddox, Michael Key III, Rhett, Sutton, Collins, Noah, Lillian, Catherine, Hunter, Jonathan, Murphy, and Avery; a sister, Hazel Brellis; niece, Sharon Brellis; and nephews, Phil Phillips (Mary), Derrick (Laura), and Brandon (Jenna).