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3009 Columbia Avenue
Franklin, Tennessee
Robert Keys Obituary
Franklin, TN
Our loving husband and father, Robert "Bobby" Henry Keys, passed away peacefully at home with his wife, Holly and son, Jesse.
He is also survived by his stepson, Randy Kaune; brothers, Darryl Keys and Gary Keys; sister, Debbie Keys; daughter, Amber Keys; grandchildren, Chauncy Keys, Ashlyn Kaune and Jordyn Kaune; son, Huck Keys; and beloved dog, JJ.
A private Celebration of Life service was held on December 5, 2014 at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Jude Childrens Hospital or the Humane Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Keys
David Jaschke
May 5, 2021
We met thru your time with Joe Ely and became instant friends. I still think about you, Dude. Peace with Jesus.
Kat Rouze
April 23, 2018
Blessings all around...
Larry Ashby
November 24, 2017
RiP brother of the Rollingstones I seen them couple times with you are awesome. God bless your family.
Sincerely
Mr. Larry J Ashby
michael kallio
September 14, 2016
I'm so sorry for your loss. Bobby brought great music in to many lives, I talked to you once many years ago Amber. You also shared pictures with me of Bobby with Keith. Thank you for that.
Nick Savage
September 14, 2015
Bobby,,,Treasured by those who knew Him. An inspiration, genuine soul, and champion of the Sax. You and Your loving family will live in our heart and prayers. God Bless
Evan M
March 6, 2015
I got the chance to meet him twice. First when my uncle was in the Stones horn section and then again at a local theather for a showing of Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll. He was a really nice man and will be missed dearly.
Jimi Lee
February 1, 2015
I met Bobby Keys in 1980 and I was in a tribute band in Los Angeles called The Rolling Clones. He was so kind to me and even wore a Rolling Clones button that we were giving away. Will never forget that night! Just a down to earth great guy . He will truly be missed!
.
Inspiring a fellow musician...
Mathew Miller
December 25, 2014
Mr. Bobby Keys left his mark on humanity - a warm individual with a gracious heart, a great sense of humor and what a dynamic musical force - a true legend, forever emblazoned deep into the fabric and history of music. I had the great fortune to cross paths with Bobby on several occasions throughout the past 20 plus years... the first was simply hanging out, swapping stories and having a few Red Stripes with him in a small pub in Chattanooga, dozens of cities with the traveling Stones circus over the years -- took my two young sons to see that brief but magical 50th Anniversary Tour magic in New York and Chicago -- and one of the last, lengthy and truly meaningful visits was at the Mercy Lounge where Chark was gracious enough to allow my son, Garren to meet and discuss music with Mr. Keys. Bobby is to my son, as Buddy Holly was for Bobby - it all comes full circle - another generation inspired by the likes of an older, kind and gracious musician ! Bobby's amazing legacy lives on and our love for him will NOT FADE AWAY ! Let the party begin...
Tom Briggs
December 21, 2014
Bobby I guess this means we won't be playing together and your not going to be staying with us in the Spring as we planned. I'm really missing you "ole man". I'll tell you what though, I'll plant a patch of GREEN CHILIE this coming Spring in your honor. You are my friend! I'll miss you!
Jeff Kopsky
December 14, 2014
My prayers and thoughts for the Keys family. Rest in peace Bobby great sax player.
April G
December 14, 2014
Bobby's passing has hit me very deeply. Being there at the right time,& adding the wah-wah to the soundtrack of my life, for 50+ yrs. Adding his special flavor. Adding the thrill. To our generation- Bobby was one of "us". He was great.
André Siemerink
December 13, 2014
Who's to play "The Sax" now Bob?? No one can do BETTER!!
Thanks for all YOUR MUSIC!
Thanks for all those years!!
Rock on in Heaven!
December 13, 2014
Great to meet and play with you!! RIP Wayno FL.
Paul Mally
December 9, 2014
My thoughts and prayers to the Keys family. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity of performing and spending a bit of time with Bobby - an experience of a lifetime which I will always fondly remember. Rest in peace.
Charlie Sax
December 9, 2014
Holly so sad love to you
Glen B
December 9, 2014
What a great consolation prize to see Bobby and his band (SB) in little old Melbourne after the Stones had to pull the pin back in March. He and his band were just the grouse . Gave time for book signings and photos. Just thrilled. Ride On Bobby.
Robert Walsh
December 9, 2014
Rock in peace brother ! thanks for the beautiful sounds , you will be missed !
ricardo patino
December 9, 2014
Rest in peace Bobby, thanks for the great music you gave us. Very hard to listen to the stones music without thinking about your great sax contributions..
Holger Weber
December 9, 2014
Thanks for the Music - rest in peace.
Shari Severson
December 8, 2014
Rest in Peace Bobby Keys you and your music will be in my heart forever
Jon H
December 8, 2014
Saw you many times with the Stones and actually got to meet you where you were very personable to me. Thanks for the music. RIP.....Jon
Artem Reshetov
December 8, 2014
Hope you're on a cloud now, playing your sax...
Musicians from all over the world will miss you.
Diane Aloia
December 8, 2014
Rest in peace, Bobby.
Curtis Limbaugh
December 8, 2014
After "Brown Sugar" I wanted to play and sound like Bobby Keys but no one plays and sounds like Bobby Keys 'cept Bobby Keys. Rock on, my soulful sax brother, cheers! & R.I.P.
Ed McPadden
December 7, 2014
Sorry for your loss; Bobby was e great guy, I will never forget his friendship. - Ed McPadden Austin Tx ( Big Ed)
December 7, 2014
Bobby was intrinsically tied to the Stones. During every concert I went to when Bobby was on board I waited for his performances. Always highlights of the entire show. And Bobby demonstrated his art night by night. He nailed his solos with his great ability and feeling for the music. Bobby,for your family and friends I want to express my condolences and deep sympathy.
Thank you for every note you've played.
Michael H., Muenster, Germany
Jon Williamson
December 7, 2014
Thanks for the joy you brought so many .Rest in peace.
roman Szewczyk
December 6, 2014
Bobby I remeber You, when you played in Warsaw in Poland with The Rolling Stones. I was wonderful. Thanks for music
Roman (Poznan, Poland)
Dave DeNinno
December 6, 2014
Thoughts and Prayers to your family and friends and fellow musicians.God Bless you Bobby. Music is a powerful source of healing. Thank you for sharing your music with the world.
Dena Jagstrom
December 6, 2014
For Bobby's family, friends, and loved ones. He will shine bright forever
Brian Cronin
December 5, 2014
I will never forget Bobby as a great sax player an his bigger than life peronality.
It was a pleasure knowing him.
Brian Cronin Sydney Australia.
Susan F
December 5, 2014
I never knew you personally, Bobby, only through your awesome music, but you will be missed. Peace and comfort to your loved ones. Rest in peace, fellow Texan.
~ Susan
Bratt
December 5, 2014
With heavy hearts and deep regrets we say goodbye to a legendary saxophone player, a memorable pioneer in his own right. Valued! Loved! Missed! No more sickness, suffering, and outcry for you, Bobby Keys. Rest in peace until you hear the welcome call to enter Paradise! My heartfelt condolences to the family.
greg gnerlich
December 5, 2014
Greg gnerlich ( Hartford wi )
mb
December 5, 2014
I wish to express sympathy for the loss of your loved one. May you find comfort in prayer. Psalms 55:22
Doug Clark
December 5, 2014
Bobby -
Thanks for sharing beers with me and talking about rock'n'roll back in the early 90s at Stache & Little Brothers in Columbus.When you gave me your autograph, your wrote 'thanks for the persistency'. I now thank you for the persistency. Your lives on!
David Hale
December 5, 2014
I will miss my friend .love from your old friends in fernvale
Paul
December 4, 2014
R I P Bobby, I'm glad I had the privilege of meeting you.
TRIAD / MC
David J Bhaltazhar Esq
December 4, 2014
Patti and I always enjoyed the T & A.
R.I.P.
~xXx~
David
Leslie ladd
December 4, 2014
Thanks for a great ride...you are the shining star.
December 4, 2014
May the God of peace and tender mercy be with you during this time of bereavement
(2Coronthians 1:2-4)
marlin little
December 4, 2014
rock and roll
Jane Dowling
December 4, 2014
Thank you for your music ~ Rest in peace.
J Carswell
December 4, 2014
Thank you Bobby.
Bobby Keys & "friend"
Scott Preston Hardy
December 4, 2014
Say it ain't so, Sweet Virginia.
Blow in Peace, Bobby.
ohio
December 4, 2014
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Rudy
December 4, 2014
Gonna miss you. Thanks for the kindness you always showed me, over the years.
Rickey
December 4, 2014
RIP BOBBY ! GREAT BAND UP THERE!
Carol Milne
December 4, 2014
Thank heavens for you, a truly wonderful musician. R.I.P Bobby you'll be sadly missed.
Connie Force
December 4, 2014
To the Keys family I'm sorry for your loss of Bobby he will be greatly missed. May God bless you and the family.
francis Adams
December 3, 2014
R.I.P. Bobby....
Wayne Hatchel
December 3, 2014
Bobby was an old friend of mine. I've worked w/so many musicians from the days of being a touring sound eng. To now they are just my old mates. It is really hard to believe he is gone. I just saw him a few months ago. He didn't really look ill then. But a couple of weeks ago heard he was in hospice.
Nina Powers
December 3, 2014
The sideman. Always playing life and music by ear. The essence of a true rolling stone. Keep on enjoying the moment and going with the flow. My sincere condolences to Bobby's family and friends.
Jennifer Waters
December 3, 2014
Rip Bobby keys I've listened to u play that sax like it was part of u , as I sit here and reflect how many times I have heard u play one thing I will miss the next time the stones tour. I will miss Mick saying on the sax Bobby Keys.My deepest sympathy goes out to family and friends until we meet again!
Dan J
December 3, 2014
"If there's a rock & roll heaven, you know they've got a hell of a band" and it just got even better.
RIP Bobby!
Otto Greenleaf
December 3, 2014
Dear Bobby:
Your sax playing on the songs and your involvement with the Stones and other artists cements your credibility music wise for the rest of us who are still to shuffle off our mortal coil. RIP my Lubbock sax playing brother.
Tanesha Burns
December 3, 2014
I am sorry for your loss keys family, friends, and close associates. I know this is hard for everyone, including fans. May God be a source of comfort to you all. Reflect on the memories shared with Bobby.
tony uzar
December 3, 2014
rock on!!!!!
Richard Murphy
December 3, 2014
Truly a profound loss...
kenny robinson
December 3, 2014
great sax player r.i.p.
DEB SUDDARD
December 3, 2014
Bobby was the best sax player ever he will be missed prayers for the family who lost a incredible man God bless
jb rodriguez
December 3, 2014
Our sincere condolences. Thank you for the great music!
"Like a man whom his own mother keeps comforting, so I myself shall keep comforting you people." Isaiah 66:13
Mark Featherston
December 3, 2014
Never heard the Stones live, but Bobby graciously signed his book & chatted with me last summer at Nashville Library. Fellow sax player & nice guy. Condolences to his family.
bill miner
December 3, 2014
very sorry to hear of bobby's death a very long time fan.
my prayers go out to the family.
we will all miss him.
bill miner, camillus new york
Mike Siemasko
December 3, 2014
You gave me a lot of joy through out the years.Nobody blew the horn as well as you. God speed.....
December 3, 2014
Sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort sustain you during this most difficult time. Isaiah 61:1,2
Annie Semega
December 3, 2014
May God rest his good, talented soul & bring his family comfort.
My brother called as soon as he heard this sad news! He'll always be remembered...
December 3, 2014
So sorry to hear of your loss, find comfort in family and friends and the avenue of prayer.
Terry
December 3, 2014
I never thought I'd really enjoy the sax. Then I heard Mr Keys do a long solo in a Stones HBO show. It was absolutely amazing. So sorry for the family's loss
Mario CarrizalesL
December 3, 2014
Thanks.
December 3, 2014
May our father give strebgth to friends and family
Linda
December 3, 2014
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Bobby Keys.When someone you love dies, we need to go God for comfort. (Jeremiah 29:12) says " And you will certainly call me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you ". His words can equip you with "power beyond what is normal" to go from one day to the next.
Rick W.
December 3, 2014
Hard charging,rockin' blower behind legend's....and one in his own right.Thank's Bobby...goodbye man. R.I.P.
M.P. Ruiz
December 2, 2014
listenin' to Bobby Keys' saxophone playin' was relaxing & enjoyable. Thanx! Bobby. It was a kool ride.
Mario P Ruiz
December 2, 2014
My condolences to Bobby's family & extended families. My favorite sax solo is in "Waiting on a friend." Thank you Bobby for being a Texan, for your beautiful music in your recordings with the Stones, Lennon, and many others. Your saxophone playin' is unique, untouchable, heavy, and excellent. Your music legacy is timeless. GBU
Juliano Alves Pinto
December 2, 2014
Bobby Keys, the greatest saxophonist in the history of rock and roll! We will miss you!
stan liqourstore
December 2, 2014
Ur light still shines cuz ur light shines in all us who hear ur sax.thxs much
Will Allison
December 2, 2014
Thanks for all the great songs God bless .true rock legend.prayers to ur loved ones.thxs
JA
December 2, 2014
TR and I saw Bobby play many times with the Stones - Amazing talent. R.I.P.
alexandre magno guedes alcoforado alcoforado
December 2, 2014
saudade de OLINDA,PERNAMBUCO,BRASILALEXANDRE E FAMÍLIA
chuck rader
December 2, 2014
Go easy Bro.
Jackie
December 2, 2014
The 6th Rolling Stone - talented and fun. RIP
carolyn papineau
December 2, 2014
You can never underestimate Bobby's talented contribution/personality to the Rolling Stones. An unsung hero in the band, the fans know it.
R.I.P. Bobby, thanks for all your talent and enjoyment you brought to the
tunes. Carolyn ( Canada)
D C O
December 2, 2014
Turned on NPR heard the news that Bobby Keys had passed. Working the VIP sec @ Clubland/Detroit had the pleasure to meet Bobby. In fact he arraigned backstage entrance for a party of 4 for their show @ The Silverdome. Met the band! He trumped me on that one. By meeting him I attended my 1 and only Stones concert! Thanks again Bobby. RIP
Megan Bacigalupo
December 2, 2014
Bobby added so much talent and joy to the Stones.....His smile.....
December 2, 2014
A very sad day with the loss of the iconic sax man Bobby Keys.Brilliant player and hard partier from the early to his late years.Well deserved.RIP. Hometeam,ny
Bekka Bramlett
December 2, 2014
I Love you and Miss them cheeks , Bobby.
Thank you for a lifetime of music and Friendship.
I know where you are, B
Hug Daddy and all your Band Buddies old and new and we'll see you in the light , lovebird
Bek
December 2, 2014
Sorry for the loss of Bobby Keys. My prayers go out to his family. May god bless you all. Theresa Finch a fan of Bobby's.
Bobby Keys
December 2, 2014
Bobby Keys u will always be remember and very missed.
Rockers of Lubbock--Amarillo area
R. Brown
December 2, 2014
Bobby Keys came from Slaton,TX and probably recorded first at N. Petty Studio in Clovis. He played behind Buddy Knox at the Fair Park Coluseum during Knox's heyday. Whether he ever played with B. Holly, I am not certain. He didn't record with either Buddy in Clovis. Every musician in West Texas wants to say they once played with him. I didn't but I admire anyone that goes to the top of the field in music, as he did! My condolences to his family...from: Brown's Index of West Texas musicians
December 2, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Our condolences to the Keys Family. RE.24:4 -And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, either will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.
RR
December 2, 2014
My am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Keys death.
Please know that God word speak of a time when death will be no more.
Rick Martel
December 2, 2014
When Bobby played that sax during a Stones concert, it was such a great sound that really added to the energy of the show. He will be missed.
the footman
December 2, 2014
I told bobby in 1988 after a "talk is cheap" gig at the beacon that no matter what he'd done "brown sugar" earned him a free pass into heaven. He laughed and said,"I kinda like that." All time rock and roll great!!!
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