Charles E. (Gene) Key, 73, of Greenville, husband of Gayle Morgan Key, passed away Sunday, September 17, 2017. Born in Morton, MS., he was a son of the late Leslie Lorenzo and Alice Rochester Key. Gene spent most of his younger years in Greenville, SC where he attended Greenville High School, and then went on to receive a degree in Marketing from Mississippi State University. Gene served in the U.S. Army from 1966 -1969. He graduated from Infantry OCS and served in the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam, where he achieved the final rank of First Lieutenant. During this time, he was awarded two Army Commendation Medals for meritorious service and a Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement. Upon returning from Vietnam, he married his childhood friend, Gayle Morgan, and spent 48 happy years with her. After a brief stay in Clemson, SC, they moved to Greenwood, SC, where they lived for 13 years and made many lifelong friends. In 1985, they returned to Greenville, SC, where he resided until his death. Gene joined Westminster Presbyterian Church in 1956 and remained a member, except for his time in Greenwood where he served as an adult Sunday School teacher at Main Street Methodist Church. Gene was a devoted Clemson fan and has been a member of IPTAY for 49 years. He loved tailgating with his family and was very proud to have been able to attend all three National Championship games with his Tigers. He had a great sense of humor and loved to spin a good tale or play an innocent practical joke to make people smile. Having been in the theatre industry, he had a lasting love of movies that he passed on to his wife and children. His fondest memories were times spent with his family, where he especially looked forward to boat trips on Lake Jocassee and beach trips to South Litchfield. Gene will be remembered as a kind and compassionate person who gave selflessly to those around him. He had a strong faith in God, and his spirit will continue to touch those who knew him. Surviving are his wife Gayle M. Key, daughter, Kem Erskine (Guy); sons, Chas Key (Susan), Heyward Key (Ansley) and Bryan Key (Joanna); sister, Alice Ann Thomas; brother Jack Key; grandchildren, Tres and Morgan Key; Hannah, Kari Beth, William and Heyward Bradford; Grayson and Emma Erskine; Katie Grace and Heyward Key; and Amelia and John Key. He is preceded in death by his three brothers Don, Jim and Bill. A memorial service will be held Wednesday September 20, 2017 at 11am at Westminster Presbyterian Church with Rev. Ludwig L. Weaver, Jr. and Rev. Barbara Stoop officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Upstate Warrior Solution, 3 Caledon Ct., A-2, Greenville SC 29615 or the Special Olympics, 4806 Old Spartanburg Rd., Taylors SC 29687.
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