John William "Jack" Key Jr.

JOHN “JACK” WILLAM KEY, JR. John “Jack” William Key, Jr. , 69, of Shady Spring, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, October 3, 2014. Born March 4, 1945 at Cabin Creek; he was a son of the late John William Key, Sr. and the late Mary Jane Estep Key. Jack loved singing and going to church, spending time with his family, woodworking, building things, and helping his neighbors. He was a member of the UMWA Local 17 from 1972 until 1985; he was a coal miner for 20 years until his retirement in 2001. He was an Assistant Scout Master for Troop 37 in Accoville WV, and a band booster for Man High School. In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his brother, Howard James Key; two nephews, James Howard Key and Logan Key; and a niece, Kimberly Dawn Evans. Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Gilda Roop Key of Shady Spring; three children, Gretchen Browning of Princeton, Jeff Brooks of Bradley, and Gregory Key of Man; four grandchildren, Jordan Tyler Barrett of Princeton, Brandon Scott Browning of Princeton, Stephen Gregory Browning of Princeton and Natalie Brooks of Crab Orchard; siblings, Carletta Sue Harper of East Bank, Gloria Jean Frye and husband, Roger of St. Albans, Donald Ray Key and wife, Sheree of Cool Ridge, Damaris Lambert of Charleston, and Sammy Allen Key and wife, Dianne of Princeton. Services to celebrate Jack’s life will be held 1:00PM Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley with Pastor Ron Browning and Pastor Paul Chapman officiating, Sweet Anointing will be ministering through song. Following the services Jack will be laid to rest at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Family will be serving as pallbearers. Friends may gather with the family from 6:00PM until 9:00PM Tuesday at the funeral home. Online condolences and other information can be found by visiting www.blueridgefuneralhome.com Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley is assisting the family.