David Keys

Born on April 17th, 1945, in Lynchburg VA to the late Jay and Ruth Keys. Soon after they became residents of Gray,TN. Dave was a 1963 graduate from Boone’s Creek High School. He honorably served in the United States Army and fought in the Vietnam War in the late 1960s.

Following his military service, he worked at Klopman Mills in Johnson City, then worked for ITT in Gray in the 1970s. Later he earned his degree at Steed Technical College. Becoming a skilled machinist, he co founded and co-owned Triangle Machine & Tool in Gray in 1981 with his brother, Jerry Keys. He retired in 1997.

He was a longtime member of Liberty Church in Gray, TN.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jay and Ruth Keys, his uncle, Will Keys, jr. and his loving sister Elizabeth “Bibby” Wallace and brother in laws, Bob Wallace, John Stidham and Bob Richardson, and sister in law Debbie Odham.

He is survived by his loving wife, Janice Keys of 56 years,his children Melissa Keys Cline and her husband, Jack Cline, Timothy D Hicks and his fiancee, Melanie, Karen Hicks Garber, four grandchildren, Brooke Carver and her husband,Tyler, Dylan Presnell, Brandon Garber, his wife, Brittany, Hannah Garber Gouge her husband, Tristan and two great-grandchildren, Asher Shelton and Waylon Gouge.

Dave is also survived by brother, Jerry Keys and his wife,Susie, his sisters, Diane Stidham, Freda Banks & Connie Bachelor and her husband, Cecil, and several nieces and nephews.

There wasn’t anything he couldn’t do from building a small Ferris wheel for his neighborhood friends to ride at 12 years old to building and flying RC model airplanes. A classic Mustang enthusiast, avid motorcyclist, loved turkey and deer hunting, fishing and bluegrass music. He was witty and intelligent, and able to fix anything and everything.

People surrounded themselves around him not only for guidance but also for his ability to make everyone laugh.

He leaves behind a legacy, a wide circle of friends, and most importantly a family that loved him deeply.

Dave was a hardworking, a wonderful husband, father, and friend to everyone he met.

A celebration of Dave’s life will be

Monday, November 16th at

East Lawn Funeral Home and

Memory Park, Kingsport,TN in the chapel.

Visitation will be at 6pm and Funeral service at 7pm officiated by Rev. Keith Williams.

Graveside/committal service will be Tuesday November 17 at 11am.