Robert Key, age 89 of Etowah, TN, passed away Thursday, February 9, 2017 at Hospice of Chattanooga. He was employed atJM Beaty construction, Daniel Construction, Yeargin Construction, and retired from Olin Chemical. He was the son of the late James Franklin Key and Susie Wampler Key. Robert is preceded in death by infant daughter, Glenda Sue Key; his parents, listed above; brothers, Willis Key, James Key, and Cecil Key; and sisters, Elissie Wilmot, Elizabeth Aileen Key, Maggie Joyce Yarber, and Ruby Nolen. He was an avid gardener and loved to share the produce with friends and neighbors around town. Robert was a lover of nature and loved having his family around him.

Survivors include wife, Mayme Lorene Key; sons and daughters-in-laws, Robert Dexter Key and wife Karen and David Franklin Key and wife Kelley; daughters and sons-in-laws, Judy Ann Jenkins and husband Johnny, Sandra Jane Kilpatrick and husband Harold, Sheila Jean Swafford and husband Lynn, and Rhonda Gail Davis and husband Richard; grandchildren, Carol and Rick Darr, Greg and Diane Kilpatrick, Bart Jenkins, Adam Kilpatrick, Dustin Davis, Caleb Swafford, David Davis, Kirby Key, Haley Key, and Brady Key; brothers and sisters-in-laws, C.J. Key and wife Adena, Noah Yarber and wife Diane, and Clarence Key; sisters and brothers-in-laws, Mary Sue Roderick and husband Jay and Beulah Douglas and husband Kenneth; great-grandchildren, Katlyn Jenkins, Alyssa Jenkins, Ashley Jenkins, Alvin Kilpatrick, Aiden Kilpatrick, Alonna Kilpatrick, Madison Kilpatrick, Faith Marie Davis, Catlyn Godley, Acacia Gossett, and Tanner Gossett; and great-great-grandchildren, Rylan Jenkins, Carter Bowen-Reed, and Daily Darr.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 13, 2017 in the south chapel of Bordwine Funeral Home with Rev. Doyle Lloyd officiating. Family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, February 12, 2017 in the south chapel of Bordwine Funeral Home. Interment will follow service at Mars Hill Cemetery.