Greg Keys

Greg was born on November 8, 1933, to Ruth Ann and Hollis Keys in Pampa, Texas. He lived in Pampa through High School where he graduated in May 1951. He then moved to Lubbock to attend Texas Tech University, where he met the love of his life, Dorothy Clements, in September 1952. They dated exclusively until their graduation in May 1955 and marriage in June 1955. While at Texas Tech, Greg was a member and Treasurer at his fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and graduated with Honors with a BBA degree.

Upon his graduation, he joined the Travelers Insurance Company and after training eight months at their home office in Hartford, Connecticut, was assigned to Nashville, Tennessee. After two years he was assigned to open a new office in Knoxville, Tennessee. A year later his Air National Guard unit was called for active duty during the Berlin Crisis and he was stationed at Chambley, France, which had been a German WWII fighter base, until August 1962. He returned to the Travelers with an opportunity in Midland, Texas. He was promoted to Agency Manager and continued in Midland until the closure of the office in September 1982. At that time, Greg resigned and opened his own office as an independent agent. During his 26 years with the Travelers, he was rewarded many times for outstanding sales and service. He continued his insurance career under the name of Greg Keys Insurance and later Keys Insurance when his son, David, joined him in the agency, and he remained active until his death.

During his many years in Midland, he was active as a coach in Little League Baseball, and Church League Basketball and was a fan of all sports events where his sons were involved. He and Dorothy encouraged all activities that their sons were interested in and active in.

He and Dorothy were founding members of Midland Bible Church where he served as an elder for more than twelve years. They also initiated and were leaders in their Awana Youth Program for years.

In later years, Greg was very active in volunteer activities with Meals on Wheels and the Midland Hospital Auxiliary. He also loved all manner of card games, particularly poker and bridge. He had made good progress on his goal of attaining a Life Master in bridge. He loved a good joke and always had a joke of the day to share.

He was predeceased by both parents and his beloved wife, Dorothy, in 2014. He is survived by his two sons, Randy Keys and wife Patty of Houston and granddaughter Allison Keys of Boston; and David Keys and grandson Caleb Keys of Midland. He is also survived by nieces Dona Bliss of Knoxville, Tennessee, Margaret Anderson of Austin, Texas, and Jeri McWilliams of Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas, along with their husbands and children.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Friday, October 27, 2023, from 6-8 PM at Ellis Funeral Home in Midland, Texas. Graveside services will be at 1 PM on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Resthaven Memorial Park next to Dorothy.