John Smiley Key died February 6, 2013. He was born in Camden, Tenn., on August 4, 1940 to Jacklyn Smiley and Gilbert Jasper Key. He resided in Decatur from second grade where he attended Somerville Road School and later Decatur High School.
John attended the University of Alabama and graduated from the University of Alabama Law School, where he was Editor in Chief of the Alabama Law Review. After getting his law degree, John clerked for United States District Judge Clarence Allgood in Birmingham, and came home to Decatur in 1964, where he joined the firm of Eyster and Eyster.
John had been past president of the Morgan County Bar Association, a former member of the Alabama Bar Commissioners and member and former director of the Alabama Defense Lawyers Association. He was an Advocate of the American Board of Trial Advocates, a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, and a member of the International College of Trial Lawyers.
John Key was a lifelong member of St. John's Episcopal Church, where he served as vestryman and senior warden.
He was a past president of Decatur Rotary Club, past board member of the Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Advisory Board of Directors at AmSouth Bank. John served as a member and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Decatur General Hospital.
Mr. Key was preceded in death by his parents, Jacklyn Smiley and Gilbert Jasper Key.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lucy Minot Key; one son, John Key Jr. of Birmingham; one daughter, Mary Scott Key Pizzitola and husband, Joey, grandson, John Pizzitola, granddaughter, Anna Pizzitola, all of Birmingham; brother, Gilbert Jasper Key Jr. (wife Ann) of Birmingham; sister, Jacklyn Key Bailey (husband Foster); and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at St. John's Church on Sunday, February 10, 2013, at 2 p.m .with burial in St. John's Columbarium. Visitation to follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John's Church or your favorite charity
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