James Ralph Key

Ralph was born on July 25th, 1940, to the late James William Key and Dorothy Taylor Key. Ralph attended and graduated from Beech Bluff High school in 1958. While at Beech Bluff he enjoyed playing baseball and even went on to play for a independent baseball league in Jackson. He retired as a Lab Manager from Muller Optical Co. Ralph was also an avid sports fan, and loved the University of Tennessee Volunteers football team. He was a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. Ralph enjoyed playing golf and softball throughout his life. He loved watching his grandsons play baseball, football, and soccer, and he was their biggest supporter. He absolutely loved family time, talking about old memories, laughing with family and friends, loved multiple genres of music, but his favorite was gospel. He was married for 62 years to Linda Ann Key. They had three sons, Steve Key (Wife Sherry), Scott Key, and Stan Key (Wife Amy).

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Rex Key, and sister Martha Nell Arnold.

He is survived by grandchildren- Carson Key, Cruz Key, Steven Oakley, and Amber Goff, eight great grandchildren, siblings Doris Ann Newman, Rita Webb, and Donald Wayne Key (Wife Margie).

The Memorial Service will be Monday, December 5th, 2022, at George A. Smith & Sons Funeral Home-North Chapel in Jackson, Tn at 1:00pm. The service will be officiated by Pastor Bill Espy.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GeorgeASmithandSons.com for the Key family.