Kenneth Neil Key

Preceded in death by parents, Arles S. and Clisty Irene Woods Key, brother James Key, sister Faye Wilhite and husband Charles, brother-in-law Tarleton Elliott, step-niece Christina Ray, and his children’s mother, Judy Horne Key.

He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years Carla Harris Key; sons Michael Key (Pam) Walnut Grove, Marty Key (Joy) High Point, NC; daughters Traci Bowers (Bobby) Archdale, NC, and Belinda Self (Brad) High Point, NC; stepdaughter Kellie Arnold Ledlow (David), Dothan; stepson Keith Arnold, Atlanta, GA; sister, Amelia Elliott, Huntsville, sister-in-law Janice Key, Wilsonville, sister-in-law, Sandra Oliver (Ed) Talladega; grandchildren Robbie Bowers (Kellie) Kernersville, NC, Martin Key High Point NC, Yancey Key Walnut Grove, Chris Bowers (Lynsey) Winston Salem, NC, Thomas Key, High Point NC, Hannah and Hollie Self, High Point, NC; step-grandchildren Sydnie Ledlow, Mark Ledlow, Dothan, Beth Kellogg (Zane) McCalla, Daniel Thomas Hephzibah, GA; step-greatgrandchildren Zander, Braun and Magnus Kellogg, McCalla.

As a senior at Thomas W. Martin High School, Kenneth began part-time work for Alabama Power Company. He worked during the construction of APCO Gorgas SP Unit 8, he was hired full time in January, 1955. From 1957 to 1961, he worked on the construction of APCO Wilsonville Steam Plant Units 1-4 and APCO Logan Martin Dam Hydro Plant. In 1964, he was transferred to Birmingham APCO General Office to work in the Hydro and Steam Plant Engineering Dept. He later worked in Electrical Substations Design Department and finished his career in the Corporate Property Accounting Department. Kenneth retired in 1991 as a Senior Corporate Accountant. Kenneth served our country in the Army National Guard and received an honorable discharge after 8 years of dedicated service.

Kenneth enjoyed researching genealogy and has authored several books, which have been donated to Wallace State Genealogy Library in Hanceville. He loved music and played both the guitar and the piano. He was an active member of East Gardendale Baptist Church until his health began to decline. He loved to camp and traveled widely. He carried his children on regular camping trips during their youth, and he and Carla traveled widely across the US following their marriage. They were able to visit all but three states. He was deeply loved by his family and friends and will be dearly missed.

Services will be held at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel on Saturday, June 11 with a visitation to begin at 1:30pm; funeral service at 3:00pm followed by his burial in Moncrief Cemetery, Gardendale, AL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to East Gardendale Baptist Church Building Fund or your favorite charity.

Arrangements under the direction of Ridout's Gardendale Chapel, Gardendale, AL.