Carl A. Keys, Jr.

Carl A. Keys, Jr. was born November 17, 1935, in Sheffield, Alabama to Lucille and Carl Keys, Sr.. After a brief stay in Batesville, Arkansas, his family moved to Mountain Home, Arkansas where he lived throughout college. Carl learned to play the saxophone, and with his brother Bill, they formed a dance band that played in the local area. Carl played football, basketball, and baseball for the Mountain Home Bombers. He also earned his Eagle Scout Badge.

Carl graduated from the University of Arkansas. While there, he became a member of Lambda Chi Alpha. He played in the university marching band and attended a band trip to New York City. He then joined the Army and served six years in the Army Reserves. He was well known for his “short” jokes.

After college, he moved to Denver where he met his soon-to-be-wife, Carol. While there, he worked for Martin Marietta. Later he moved to Downing, California where he worked for North American Aviation on the Apollo Mission project. He then decided to move back home to Little Rock, Arkansas, owning his own real estate company, where he built and sold houses. After a while, the stock market grabbed his attention, and he became a stockbroker for numerous companies. He dabbled in politics, ran for Justice of the Peace, and married several couples. He unsuccessfully ran twice for City Manager Board. He was very patriotic and even funded a radio call in show, Speak Up America, with his wife.

Carl loved to play Poker and Bridge. In the early 80’s, he finished twice at the final table of the World Series of Poker. He was an avid duck hunter and taught his sons to love duck hunting at an early age. He enjoyed watching both of his sons play any sport with a ball. Unknowingly to even his sons, he would often buy shoes, glasses, and equipment for several of the other players. The money was always given to the coaches, so it’s something that his sons never knew.

Carl was very active in his church, St. James United Methodist. He was president of the Forum Sunday School class several times, helped with and taught the Alpha course. He attended the evening Community Bible Study for many years.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carol (Ludwig) Keys; two sons, Slade Keys of Las Vegas and Burk Keys (Kelly) of Siloam Springs; three grandchildren, Marley, Hunter, and Jenna all of Siloam Springs; a brother, Bill Keys of Boise, Idaho; cousins, Julie Wright (Sam Ermey); and his adopted family, Chris Allums (Ellen) and their children, Jon Thomas, Caroline, and Elizabeth of Monroe, Louisiana.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Lucille Keys; sister-in-law, Kathy Keys; and nephew, James Christopher Allums.

Many thanks to his favorite caregiver Christina, and all of those at Cottage Lane Rehab Facility.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please consider giving to the Alzheimer’s Research in Carl’s name or a charity of your choice. 

Arrangements entrusted to Smith Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., Little Rock, AR 72205. (501) 224-2200. Sign the guestbook at www.smithfamilycares.com.