Charles Key, Sr.
Charles F. Key, Sr., 79, passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2015.
He was born July 25, 1935 in Chattanooga, to the late George A. Key, Sr. and Evelyn Barnes Key. He was a graduate of Howard High School, class of 1953. He received a B.S. degree in science from Tennessee State University. A true entrepreneur, he owned and operated Esso Gas Station, Cherokee Liquor Store, and was the founder of Key Bonding Company and Jet Bonding Company. He was also a general contractor and had a long career in real estate, property development and management. He was awarded the contract for the 231 Housing Development Project under President Richard Nixon.
He was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Parish and served as a Cub Scout leader for the OLPH school. He was a member of the Psi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the 6099 Knights of Columbus, and the Tennessee State University Alumni Association. He also served on the Hamilton County Board of Equalization.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Evelyn K. Clark, brother, George A. Key, Jr., parents, George A. Key, Sr. and Evelyn B. Key; anddaughter, Glynn D. Key.
He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife of 56 years, Ruby Glenn Key; son, Charles F. (Cheryl) Key, Jr.; grandchildren, Kyndall Moorman-Key, Birmingham, Calyn and Chandler Key, Chattanooga; brothers, Edward (Jean) Key, Chattanooga, Russell (Hisako) Key, Denver; sister-in-law, Gloria Glenn, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 22, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, 501 South Moore Road. Interment will be in Forest Hills Cemetery.
The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Omega Ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, and the family will receive friends from 7-8 p.m. at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 622-9995.