Carl Eugene Key

Carl Eugene Key was a modest man, quiet and observant in his ways. He was trustworthy and traditional in his approach to his life and in his relationships. He was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew him. He was also a man who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything he undertook. Realistic about life, he was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility.

Carl was born on March 27, 1923 at home, where he was delivered by a midwife in Caldwell County in Collettsville, NC. He was the son of Roscoe and Pearl Key. Carl grew up in Collettsville, NC area.

Carl was raised with seven sisters and two brothers. He had two brothers, Thomas and Oral and seven sisters, Maude, Chloe, Ella, Paula, Bertha, Hattie and Betsy. Carl was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young boy, Carl had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. In his spare time he liked reading and the outdoors. Carl's memorable achievements included finishing two school years in one, he was a great speller and finished the 8th grade. However, to Carl, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. Carl starting working in a sawmill after 8th grade to help his family.

Always considered a “good” friend to those he knew, Carl enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. While growing up, some of his best friends were Clarence Rhodes and Clyde Coffey.

On December 15, 1949 Carl exchanged wedding vows with Nancy Lorraine Franklin at Preacher Sam Silver's house of Lenoir, NC. Empathic and loyal, Carl was committed to making his new family happy.

Carl worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Carl was blessed with four children; three sons, Floyd, Terry Key, Boyd (deceased), and one daughter, Linda Key. Another blessing for Carl was the gift of eight grandchildren, Jonathan and Ian Bryant, Quinn McGee, Trevor Key, Gene Key, Heath Key (deceased), Leah Haas, and Jennifer Tuttle.

Fortunately, Carl enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Carl worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was being a truck driver. He was employed for seventeen years for Broyhill Furniture, where he received the "Driver of the Year" award and "Fuel Miser" award. Carl always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Carl was in the Army. He was in the Pacific, New Guinea, Philippines, and Okinawa. Carl saw action for WWII. Through his hard work, he achieved the rank of Sargent. His fellow soldiers viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

Carl enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were sawmilling, gardening, watching the Braves play, and staying busy. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Carl found pleasure in sports. Carl was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list were watching the Atlanta Braves play baseball.

Carl was a man who took pride in upholding his beliefs. So it is little wonder that he took an active role in his community, serving on committees for the church deacons, choir director, and Sunday School director. Politically, Carl was a supporter of the Republican Party.

Carl’s faith was important to him. He was a member of Rocky Springs for many years. During that time, he was Chairman of the deacons, Sunday School teacher and choir director.

Though he never set out to gain individual recognition, Carl was given accolades for his many and varied accomplishments throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included many truck driving awards.

Carl enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included riding up in the Amish Country.

Carl was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites was Tip, a shepherd dog, Marley, Bambi, and Izzy, all mini pinchers. His family was rounded out by his cats, Blackie and Callie.

When Carl’s retirement finally arrived in 1988, he was well prepared. His new life involved relocating to his home in Adako. In retirement, he found new pleasure in cared for his grandson, gardening, mostly helping neighboring widows. Even in retirement, Carl continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Carl was active in his new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

Carl passed away on August 2, 2010 at at his home in Adako, NC. Carl was ready to go "Home". He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lorraine, one daughter, Linda key and fiance' Campbell Roberts, two sons, Floyd Key and Terry and wife Gaye Key, three sisters, Paula Staten, Virginia Belle Baker, and Eula Hardy, eight grandchildren, Jonathan and wife Kelly Bryant, Leah and husband David Haas, Jennifer and husband Randall Tuttle, Ian Bryant, Quinn McGee, Little Gene and wife Carrie Key and Trevor and wife Ashley Key; six great grandchildren, Caroline and Griffin Haas, Hannah and Walker Bryant, Becky and Luke Key and his beloved dog, Izzy. Services were held at Pendry's Chapel. Carl was laid to rest in The Key Family Cemetery.

Simply stated, Carl was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Carl leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Carl Eugene Key.