Search by Name

Search by Name

Richard Keys Obituary

Richard Keys Richard Keys departed this life on May 16, 2008. He was born December 26, 1944, in Madison, Fla., to the late Mack and Bertha Miller Shaw Keys. After graduating from the Madison County school system, he was drafted into the United States Armed Forces and served in the Vietnam War. Honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, Richard relocated to Cocoa, Fla. A retired U.S. Postal Service employee of 40 years, he was also the founder and owner of Keys Janitorial, Home Improvement, and Lawn Services. Richard also enjoyed fishing, golf and, especially, Dallas Cowboys football. He was a deacon at The Living Word Christian Center in Rockledge, Fla. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Nielza Shaw Finney (Benny) of Philadelphia, Pa. Richard leaves to cherish memories of him a devoted wife, Deborah N. Keys; two loving daughters, Dr. Tiawana V. Keys Parker (Eddie) of Country Club Hills, Ill., and Kristina D. Keys of Sandy Springs, Ga.; four sisters, Mabel Shaw Manning of Miami, Fla., Alma Keys Twiggs of Madison, Fla., Dorothy Keys McCaskill of Tallahassee, Fla., and Bertha Keys Milton (Tommie) of Pembroke Pines, Fla.; one brother, Eugene Keys of Madison, Fla.; two grandchildren; and in addition, a host of sorrowful aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many wonderful friends. Services are as follows: Wake, Friday, May 23, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Stone Funeral Home; Celebration of Life, Saturday, May 24, at 11 a.m. at Zion Orthodox Primitive Baptist Church, 715 S. Fiske Blvd., Cocoa, Fla.; Memorial Service, Sunday, May 25, from noon to 2 p.m.at Damascus Missionary Baptist Church, Madison, Fla. Interment will be in Madison at Oak Ridge Cemetery on Sunday, May 25.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tallahassee Democrat on May 23, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Keys

Not sure what to say?





Eric Stou

May 27, 2008

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Constance Good

May 25, 2008

I worked with Richard for 17 years and my husband, Jimmy worked with Richard for 12 years. Jimmy just passed away on 04/06/08 and I feel your loss. Richard used to come out fishing in the back of our canal and my two boys justed loved him. He will be sorely missed by them. Only prayer can get you thru and if you ever need to talk, don't hesitate to contact me. I will be praying for you and your family.

Melba McCarty

May 25, 2008

I was so sorry to hear of Richards passing and am sending my heart felt sympathies to you and your family. Richard and I grew up in the same community and my family (James) has been friends of the Keys for many years. I am praying that God will reveal Hinself in a special way duing your period of grief and that you will experience His perfect love like never before.
With deepest sympathy,
Ms. Melba James McCarty

Harriet Spradley-Thompkins

May 25, 2008

To Debra

My heart is reaching out to you,
For what you’re going through;
I’m thinking of you frequently
And praying for you, too.

I am so sorry for the lost of your dear husband.

Love

From one of your Monroe High Schoolmates.

Reginald Jones & Family

May 24, 2008

With out deepest sympothy we send our regards to The Keys Family. A very close family to ours, we've shared many great moments together. Dec. Keys will be greatly missed in our lives. He always had a big smile on his face each time we saw him. Although his time was cut short, his memory will never be forgotten. Sis. Keys and Kristina we are only a phone call away!!
Much love from our family to yours.
Reginald, Linda, Shamika (Arlindo, Alexis & Omari), Moneka (Darwin & Jaida) and Kemisha (Kaleya) Jones.

LeRoy Darby

May 24, 2008

Debra and Family,
We are deeply sorrowful of Richard's untimley separation. I will always remember Richard's encouraging words, cheerful smile and helpful attitude. He was a man of few words, but you knew he meant what he said. I am thankful and grateful to have known him and will always cherish his memory.

Cocoa Motorcycle Riders Club & "Riding Against Violence"

May 24, 2008

Our Prayers and Condolences to the Keys Family; may God give you continued strength each day. Cherish all the loving memories left for you. Members of:

Sandie J. Smith

May 23, 2008

I met Richard many years ago and would see him every couple weeks while I was shopping and he was roaming around waiting for Deborah. As a fellow Dallas Cowboys fan, I will miss our discussions on the current stats, and his admiration of my newest Mustang. I will add a Cowboys flag in my Memory Garden for him. God Bless his wife and children during this difficult time.

Janie Mitchell

May 23, 2008

Debra and Kristina,
Though the clouds may hang over you during this time of sorrow, rest assured that there will be a brighter day. Just know that you are in our prayers.

CaSonia Williams

May 23, 2008

Kristina,

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance." Please remember all the memories of your father and cherish every moment of them. Keep your head up and continue to do those things that would make your father proud. May the comfort of the Holy Spirit continue to be with you during this time and always. Know that "GOD is too wise to make a mistake and too just to do wrong." My prayer is that GOD gives you the strength that you need during this time. You and your family will be in my continued prayers. Love you always, Soror CaSonia Williams (Zeta Phi Beta Sorority)

Elizabth (Liz) English

May 22, 2008

To The Keys Family,
With each breath you take, God is there for you. For he is only a breath away.

Lucille Dennard

May 22, 2008

Dea.Harry Dennard Sr and Family send thier deepest sympathy.

Sis. Debra Erving

May 22, 2008

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I thank God that I was a part of Richard's life at The Living Word Christian Center. He will be well missed by his church family.

Julius Brown

May 22, 2008

My condolences to the family, with symphaty.

Connie Czapla

May 22, 2008

Tia,
Although I knew of your father only through our conversations and annual shopping trips, he leaves behind a wonderful legacy in you, Ian and Jade, and your sister. Your Dad was truly blessed. May God's love fill the void in your heart and comfort you during the difficult days ahead.

May 22, 2008

Sincere sympathy to all who mourn the loss of our Patriot.

Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter #566 Pensacola FL

Bernice Cox

May 22, 2008

To The Keys Family,

My prayers are with you during this time of sorrow remember God is able lean heavy on him he will never leave or forsake you trust in the lord always keep looking up

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

Make a Donation
in Richard Keys's name

Memorial Events
for Richard Keys

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Richard Keys's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more