Bobby Key

Bobby Lee Key, age 68, of Siloam, NC, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2022 surrounded by his loved ones. Bobby was born on August 29, 1953 in Winston Salem, NC to Hassell & Ann Key. Bobby graduated from East Surry High School, class of 1971 then continued his education at Surry Community College, Class of 1973. That year, he also married the love of his life, Frances Davis Key, married for 48 years. Bobby, aka “Sparky”, was a certified welder with the International Boilermakers Local #30 for over 20 years. After retiring from Boilermakers, Bobby enjoyed working at the USPS Pinnacle Post Office as a local mail carrier for 28 years before retiring from the USPS. Bobby was a kind, loving, peaceful person and he loved his family very much. Bobby is survived by his wife, Frances D. Key. His daughter, Tammy K. Whitaker (Bradley) and his son, Ronnie L. Key (Amy). Bobby was unendingly proud of his four grandchildren Austin Renegar, Jesse Whitaker, Gracie Whitaker, & Grayson Key. Bobby will truly be missed and forever in their hearts. Bobby enjoyed life to the fullest, with his careers and hobbies he got to travel & met some of his greatest friends. He was an extremely hard worker, dedicated & determined. Bobby was very involved with his community & was proud of his hometown. Over the years, Bobby was a member of the Shoals Volunteer Fire Dept, Shoals Ruritan Club, and Leader of Shoals Boy Scout Troop 561. He enjoyed camping, traveling, boating, riding his Harley Davidson, attending sporting events for the grandkids or just hanging out in his shop with friends & family. Bobby was enthusiastic with lots of diverse passions & interests who could fix about anything. In 2018, Bobby was diagnosed with Mesothelioma. He battled this with the most amazing grace, bravery, and strength. He lived everyday with positivity and determination not to let the disease keep him from doing the things he loved. Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Hassell Key & Ann (Key) Gore. Grandparents, Jesse and Eunice Key & sister, Linda Yates. A memorial service celebrating Bobby's life will be conducted 3:00 p.m. Sunday, August 28, 2022 at Shoals Volunteer Fire Department. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Bobby to the Shoals Recreation Park at 843 Caudle Rd, Pinnacle NC 27043 or Mtn Valley Hospice, 1427 Edgewood Dr., Suite 101, Mt. Airy, NC 27030.