Harold Lloyd Key

Harold was born on October 8, 1932, in Ellijay, Georgia, the tenth of eleven children born to Luther and Leila Key. He was raised in a home where faith was at the center of family life. At the age of 17, Harold committed his life to the Lord and was baptized by his father, who served as a pastor, at Cherry Log Baptist Church. His faith remained the foundation of his life, guiding the way he loved his family, served others, and lived each day.

Harold proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1956, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant and serving a tour of duty during the Korean War. He carried a deep sense of patriotism and pride in having served his country.

On December 5, 1953, Harold married Marion Forrester Key, the love of his life. Together they built a beautiful life and family, sharing many precious years until her passing. After 25 years apart, his family finds great comfort in imagining the joyful reunion they must be having in Heaven. On October 7, 2006, Harold married Loyce Hayes Key, who also preceded him in death.

A hardworking and respected businessman, Harold founded Key's Carpet and Wood Center in 1968. He owned and operated the business for more than five decades, continuing to work until the age of 90. His remarkable work ethic, determination, and commitment to serving others were evident throughout his life and career.

Of all his accomplishments, Harold was especially proud of his family. He never missed an opportunity to talk about his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and the joy they brought to his life. Being their Dad, Papaw, and great-grandfather was among his greatest blessings, and he treasured every moment spent with them.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Leila Key; his ten siblings; his beloved wife, Marion Forrester Key; and his second wife, Loyce Hayes Key.

He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Debbie and Rick Allison and Pamela and Fabian Scott; his grandchildren, Ricky Allison and his wife, Beth, and Gabrielle Elam and her husband, Jordan; his beloved great-grandchildren, Aubrey Allison, Andrew Allison, and Weston Elam; and several nieces and nephews.

Harold leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, hard work, and devotion. His family takes comfort in knowing that the faith he professed as a young man sustained him throughout his long life and that he is now at home with the Lord he faithfully loved and served.

As Scripture reminds us, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7

The family will receive friends on Friday, August 21, from 11 :00 a.m. until 1 :00 p.m. at Chattanooga Funeral Home Valley View Chapel. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Hamilton Memorial Gardens, with Ricky Allison and Wes Ford officiating.

Serving as pallbearers will be Ricky Allison, Jordan Elam, Andrew Allison, Weston Elam, Jim Renegar, Mac Matthews, Ricky Ratchford, and Chris Miles.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff of Life Care Center of Ooltewah for the loving care, kindness, and compassion they showed to their Dad and Papaw. The family will always be grateful for the way the staff not only cared for Harold but truly loved him.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Harold's memory to Silverdale Baptist Academy. Donations may be made online at https://www.silverdaleba.org/support/ways-to-give or by contacting Erin Martin at (423) 892-2319.

Harold's life was a blessing to those who knew and loved him. Though he will be deeply missed, his family rejoices in the promise of eternal life and finds peace in knowing that he has finished his earthly journey and is now in the presence of his Savior.

Please share your thoughts and memories of Harold online with the family at www.chattanoogavalleyviewchapel.com

Chattanooga Funeral Home Valley View Chapel has been entrusted with his arrangements.