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Gary France Keys Sr.

Gary France Keys Sr. obituary, Jacksonville, FL

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Peeples Family Funeral Homes

2220 Soutel Drive

Jacksonville, Florida

Gary Keys Obituary

Chief Gary France Keys, Sr., 76, passed away December 23, 2014 after a lengthy illness. Gary was a lifelong resident of Jacksonville and graduated Andrew Jackson High School in 1957. He joined the Jacksonville Fire Department in 1960 and, in 1967, he became a member of the first rescue unit of what is now known as Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Division (JFRD). Through his 29 years of service at JFRD, Gary rose through the ranks becoming Jacksonville's deputy director of public safety and top fire chief before retiring in 1989. He received numerous awards of honor for his heroic acts and saving lives. Gary also was elected as JFRD's Local 122 Union president for three terms during which time he became known and respected for his outstanding leadership and tough negotiation skills. In the 1980's and 90's, he was a key player in the local, state and national political scene, leading efforts to help many politicians win elections. Throughout his life, Gary was known for his storytelling, quick wit, love of Lord Calvert Canadian Whiskey, and for always helping others when times were tough. Whenever he was around, there was always laughter and an abundance of friendship. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion France Jimmy Keys & Helen Jones Keys and a brother, Michael Jones Keys and is survived by his wife of 56 years, Beverly Willhelm Keys; 4 children: Gary Keys, Jr. (Kathy), Kimberly Keys, Mark Keys (Mitzi) and Matthew Keys; 3 sisters: Jo-Ann Moellmer (Ed), Kathy Keys Mason (Jon) and India Helms (Jim); 7 grandchildren: Savannah, Ryan, Cade, Ty, Dylan, Jennifer (Micah) and John; 2 great grandchildren: Sky & Aiden; his terrier mix, Darby and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. The Keys family would like to thank the following health care professionals for their many years of care to Gary: APEX Cardiovascular Group (Dr. Michael Koren, Margaret Gannaway, and staff), Dr. Louis Larmoyeux, Jr and staff, Panama Pharmacy, Haven Hospice, and JFRD Station #9 and Rescue 15. A service in honor of Gary's wonderful life will be held on Tuesday, December 30 at 2:00 PM at St. John's Cathedral, 256 East Church Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202, with internment immediately following at Evergreen Cemetery (Gate #1). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the following: Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32218; Cathedral Arts Project, 4063 Salisbury Road, Suite 107, Jacksonville, FL 32216; St. John's Preservation Society, 256 East Church Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202; Jacksonville Historical Society, 317 A. Phillip Randolf Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32202; Jacksonville Retired Firefighters Association, 625 Stockton Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204. Peeples Family Funeral Homes is serving the Keys Family. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com KEYS

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

Published by Florida Times-Union on Dec. 28, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Keys

Sponsored by Jacksonville.com.

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Kathy Keys Mason

December 26, 2019

It has been five years since I lost my big brother Gary. He was my hero. I miss him everyday. Kathy

Susie Letourneau (Thigpen)

January 14, 2015

Dear Keys Family, I am very sorry for your loss. Your family has meant a lot to our family over the many years we've known you. I can still remember the day Gary put in new baby blue carpet in my tiny bedroom when I was a young girl. I was so thrilled! I hope the many memories of the good times you've shared bring you comfort during this difficult time.

Angela Seymour

January 7, 2015

There really are no words to express my deepest and sincere heartfelt condolences to Gary's family. My husband John Seymour, who passed away in October of 2012 always spoke so highly of Gary. He was a one of a kind special person. He was a hero, a great leader, and a good man. I know he will be missed by many. My prayers and sympathy are with Gary's family.

Jackie and Wesley Dicks

January 6, 2015

Dearest Beverly and Family, Our prayers to you and your family. Sorry we did not know about the service for Gary. We think of you and Gary and remember very special people God's word tells us "Let not your heart be troubled" John 14. God be with you in this time and days ahead. Love Jackie and Wesley Dicks.

Margie Newmans

January 1, 2015

Chief, thank you for your many years of service and dedication. My prayers and thoughts are with your loving family. Rest In Peace????

Margie Newmans

January 1, 2015

Mark, I am sorry for your loss, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Much Love??

December 31, 2014

We are so saddened by the loss of Gary. There was only one Gary Keys. His leadership and wisdom guided me through my career. I don't know if there was ever another man that did so much good for the fire department, his family and friends in all aspects. He will truly be missed. Edmund and Rhonda Brown

Kathy Keys-Mason

December 31, 2014

Gary was my brother and my hero. I could call him about a recipe or to argue over politics, and we could tease each other. I will miss his laugh and the twinkle in his eyes. Kisses to you my love; you are wth mama,daddy and Michael. Please check on my dogs for me. Love Kathy

Bart Vickers`

December 31, 2014

My Father, Ken Vickers, was always very fond of Gary, treasured their friendship and always had fun together. Our condolences to Gary's family during this difficult time.

Jack & Shirley Bunting

December 31, 2014

We are sorry to hear about the death of your love, Gary. Our prayers are with you and your family.

J.D. Johnson

December 31, 2014

Praying for peace for the family. Gary was a great man and will be missed by many.

John & Martha Southwood

December 31, 2014

Beverly and Family,
We are so sad to hear of Gary's Death. We have lost a great friend

















Dear Beverly and Family,
We are so sad to hear of Gary's death. We have lost a great friend!




1

December 30, 2014

My heartfelt condolences goes out to the Keys family.Chief Keys will forever be a true pioneer and memories of him will be cherished by many.May GOD shower his family with peace,love,and spiritual healing.

bill parks

December 30, 2014

Dear Beverly, Kathy and I are so saddened by your loss. Gary has been my good friend since the day we met. There was never a more dedicated fire fighter. He always spoke so lovingly of you. The words of George Jones' song keeps coming to me. "He stopped loving her today". I am sick in bed. Just know that we are there in spirit. Chief Parks and Karhy

Harold & Ann Hollander

December 30, 2014

Beverly,

I was so saddened to hear of Gary's death. I will always treasure the memories of his wit and wisdom. He truly was a great friend to all who knew and loved him.

mickey Stoops

December 30, 2014

There was only one Gary, He could do any and everything. I was lucky too have worked with Gary @ # 9. & 16 The airport and on the fireboat, What a mentor and leader he was to me! Beverly our love to you and family may God Bless all of you. Love Mickey & Linda Stoops

December 30, 2014

Beverly, Emory and I are sad for the loss Gary. He was so much fun to be around and hear some of the stories he would tell. You and the family have some precious memories and as long as you have recall he will always be with you. We send our love.
Emory and Sandy Holsenbeck

December 30, 2014

Gary was the most respected and loved fireman during my 30 years on the job. He will be missed. Lonnie Turner

Pete Starling

December 30, 2014

I never got to work with Gary sr. but went to many fire runs with Gary jr. rest in peace, sir!

Craig Ferber

December 29, 2014

Will always have good memories and you were always good to me. Craig Ferber

Leonard Carson

December 29, 2014

Rest in peace,dear friend.

December 29, 2014

Beverly, we are sorry to hear of Chief Keys demise. Our sympathy's are with you and the family Shirley and Tom Wells

Chief Lane

December 29, 2014

Mrs. Keys and Family,

On behalf of the men and women of Gainesville Fire Rescue please accept our deepest condolences. Chief Keys was a great leader and respected man at every level, we will be forever grateful for his selfless contributions to our profession. May God Bless and Keep you and your family during this difficult time.
Respectfully yours,
Jeffrey J. Lane
Interim Fire Chief
Gainesville, FL
352-334-5078

December 29, 2014

I am so sorry to hear the sad news of Chief Keys passing.On behalf of the Gainesville Professional Fire Fighters I extend our Respect to his Family and Friends. Scotty Taylor First Vice President

TC and Chichi Banks

December 29, 2014

We are so sorry to hear of your lost. TC and I have many memories through the years. Know that we are thinking of you and the family.
TC and Chichi Banks

George Hicks

December 29, 2014

Prayers to the Family,Gary will be missed.

December 29, 2014

I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Keys, he will always be remembered as a hero to the city of Jacksonville and to the Firefighter family. Your family is in our prayers.
Toni Saffer Lewis, Jacksonville, FL

December 28, 2014

Beverly and Family
We are so sorry for your loss and Gary will be missed by so many. We will always have good memories of our time together over the years.
Stan and Barbara Crosby

Lynda Keane

December 28, 2014

Sorry for the double post, it took over 8 hours for them to post the first one.

Love and prayers,

Lynda Keane

December 28, 2014

Bev and family,

So many wonderful memories; our wedding day, FSU's first NC, Mr. Mac's wild ride in Tally. Gary held such a special place in my heart and I will miss him dearly.

John and I will always cherish the many visits with the two of you...our annual anniversary cocktail and the laughs and loving friendship we shared each and every time we were together.

Praying that the Grace of the Lord will get you all through this difficult time.


My love and prayers to all,

Bill & Ann Crabtree

December 28, 2014

Dear Beverly & Family

Thought's and Prayers are with you during this sad time. I know Gary will be missed but, the life time of memories you shared will remain for in your heart. It was a privilege to have had him as a friend, and a fellow Fireman. He will be missed by us all

Cindy and Kenny Crawford

December 28, 2014

He was a very well respected name in the Public Safety Community and Jacksonville and will be sorely missed. I enjoyed our many talks at family gatherings. It was always a pleasure to see Mr and Mrs Keys. My sincere condolences to Beverly, Gary Jr, Kim, Mark and Matthew.

Lynda Keane

December 28, 2014

So many wonderful memories, our wedding day, FSU's first NC, Mr. Mac's wild ride in Tally..all the good food, beverages and most of all, the chats between long time friends.

You were the consumate friend, if you liked someone they knew it..it also worked the other way!

I will forever cherish all the visits John and I shared with you and Bev, the wonderful loving friendship we all shared over these many years.

You will be sorely missed, my dear sweet Gary.

The pride you felt for your family always shined through anytime you were talking about any of them; I know they have suffered the biggest loss.

Bev and kids, know that you are always in my heart and prayers. May the Grace of God grant you peace at this difficult time.

My love and support, always

Rachel Strickland

December 28, 2014

You were a great friend and leader who brought joy and happiness to so many. Rest in peace my friend.

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Memorial Events
for Gary Keys

Dec

30

Service

2:00 p.m.

St. John's Cathedral

256 East Church Street, Jacksonville, FL

Dec

30

Interment

Evergreen Cemetery (Gate #1)

FL

Funeral services provided by:

Peeples Family Funeral Homes

2220 Soutel Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32208

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