John Harrison Keys 223154

223154 John Harrison Keys Sr. died Tuesday, September 30, from a combination of progressive dementia and brain injuries. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Laura Watson Keys, his daughter Sarah Scott Keys, his brother Brooks Marshall Keys (Betty), sister-in-law Carol Watson Harrison, and beloved nieces, nephews, great and very great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his older daughter Elizabeth Marshall Keys and his son John Harrison Keys Jr.

John was a proud graduate of Georgia Tech and Georgia State and a Navy veteran. He started his career in Atlanta with C&S Bank, but spent most of his working life as a manufacturer's representative for a number of different athletic shoe and sportswear companies, including Nike, Fila, Brooks, Kangol, and Keds. He was a devoted runner for many years; the Atlanta Marathon and 32 Peachtree Road Raceswere among his accomplishments. He switched to biking when his knees started protesting. He was active in a number of ministries at his church, including stewardship, Vestry, feeding ministries, and nearly 50 years as an usher. He enjoyed music, sports, food, beer, photography, a good joke, and dogs, especially Newfoundlands. He loved and was loved by so many-family, friends, children, customers, church members, and neighbors. His sister-in-law said of him that nobody wasn't glad to see John Keys coming. He will be sorely missed.

The funeral will be Wednesday, October 8, 11 am, at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, at 2089 Ponce de Leon Ave, Atlanta. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Grady Foundation, the Lymphoma Foundation of America, or the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany.

Keys, John Harrison