William R. Key

William R. “Bill” Key, 79, passed away suddenly at his home on March 2, 2011. A graduate of Southside High School in 1951, he later graduated from the University of Memphis with both a bachelors and masters degree. He later attended the University of Minnesota and worked on his doctorate. A motorcycle officer for the Memphis Police Department for seven years, he also was in the Naval Reserves. He also served as a school teacher and coach for several Memphis area schools, including Longview, Southside, Hillcrest, Bishop Byrne and SBEC. “Bill” was director of Tall Trees Youth Guidance School, and CEO of the Memphis and Shelby County Juvenile Court for ten years. He also served as Chief Financial Aid Officer for Christian Brothers University. He was elected Shelby County Criminal Court Clerk in 1994, serving 4 consecutive terms, retiring in 2010. He will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, coach, and mentor who touched countless young lives throughout his career. He was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy McCarty, and a brother, Richard Key. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Shirley Kolp Key; a son, William Carroll Key; a daughter, Lisa Kolp Key; a son, Kevin Patrick (Kim) Key; and seven grandchildren, Jennifer Key, Andy Key, Katy Key, Molly Key, Ally Key, Avery Key, and Bryant Carter. The family will receive friends Friday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 5599 Poplar Avenue. Funeral services will be Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at Christ the King Lutheran Church. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery Midtown. Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.