Douglas Lyndon Key

Douglas Lyndon Key of Birmingham, Alabama, fell asleep in the Lord, on Wednesday, the 20th of September 2023. He was 81 years of age and is preceded in death by his parents, Marjorie Lee Key and Readus Lyndon Key and grandson, Austin Tyler Key. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Deborah Key; sister, Lindy Tidwell (Johnny), daughter, Kristi M. Key (Brent Pierce); son, Foster D. Key (Tina); daughter, April M. Pituch (Stephen); son, David L. Wilkinson (Peggy). Doug was affectionately known as "Big Daddy" to his 12 grandchildren, Trenton and Nicholas Key, Natalia, Alexander and Theodore Pituch, Emmett, Presley and, Maddox Wilkinson, Andrew and Jolene Doughty, and Chloe Clarke. He is also survived by one niece, Keyla Tidwell. Doug was adored by his pets, dog, B.B. and cat, J.R. Born in Decatur, Alabama and raised in Shelby County, he graduated from Vincent High School, attended the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa and completed his degree at UAB. He went on to earn his Juris Doctorate at Birmingham School of Law and was admitted to the State of Alabama Bar Association. He began practicing law in 1975 and soon after opened his own law firm, Key, Greer, Frawley, Key and Harrison. His primary areas of practice were Matrimonial Law, Family Law, Divorce Mediation and Credit Union Law and Finance. He retired from the law firm in 2009 to become CEO and Treasurer of the Board of Directors of Mutual Savings Credit Union. He stepped down as CEO in 2016 but continued working at Mutual Savings until 2018 and served as a Board member until his death. In 2017 he became in-house general counsel at APCO Employees Credit Union where he worked until his death. He was known statewide for his passion for credit unions. During Doug's distinguished law career, he was a member of the Alabama State Bar Association, the Birmingham Bar Association, he was admitted to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama; the Association of Trial Lawyers, the American Bar Association; Alabama Trial Lawyers Association; and the Association of Trial Lawyers of America. Doug was a fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, a member of the Alabama Chapter of American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers where he served as President for the years 2008 - 2009. He was a fellow in the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Doug was recognized over many years in Best Lawyers in Alabama and Best Lawyers in America. On March 24, 2004, he was duly admitted and qualified as Attorney and Counsellor of the Supreme Court of the United States of America. He worked hard but enjoyed playing hard too, with a true love for restoring and showing antique cars, being a member of Wheels of Time Car Club and traveling the globe with family and friends. He attended Westwood Baptist Church in Alabaster where he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized. He adored his small group class. Doug was large and in charge, always looking for the bright side of life, known for his quick wit and sense of humor. He was loved by many, never met a stranger and will forever be missed by all who knew him. Doug will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to all of the doctors, nurses and staff at Heart South Cardiovascular and Shelby Baptist Medical Center in Alabaster who fought tirelessly on his behalf. Family and friends are cordially invited to the visitation and Celebration of Life service at Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, Alabama on Monday, September 25, 2023. Visitation is from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., with the Celebration of Life service beginning at 12:00 p.m. and graveside immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (stjude.org), Tunnels to Towers (t2t.org) or your favorite charity.