Garry Lee Key was born in Paintsville, Kentucky, to the late James and Kathleen Key on March 1, 1950. Garry was a dedicated public servant. He was a proud United Stated Army veteran, having enlisted in December 1969, serving a tour in Vietnam, and retiring in 1999 after 29 years of valiant service. After his military service Garry continued his public service, joining the Zoneton Fire Department.

He was a dedicated part of the department for 36 years, 25 of those years as a major and acting chief, when he passed away on February 13, 2021. Additionally, Major Key served the community as a special Bullitt County deputy sheriff and as a court security officer in the Bullitt District Court and Bullitt Family Court. Major Key was an award-winning fire protection officer, having earned awards for safe driver, life safety, and CPR saves.

Major Key was a devoted and loving family man, leaving behind his wife of nearly 50 years, Linda Key; children, Tracey Key (son) and Dawn Key (daughter); grandchildren, Makala Williams, Garry Key, Kati Key, Alex Key, JR Foster, and Nicholas Craft; and great-grandchildren, Charlotte Williams, Anaya Williams, and Carson Key.

Garry loved being in the car, listening to good music and using the steering wheel as a drum set. His head would be nodding along with the song while he sang his heart out. If he needed to know directions, he had to turn the music down so he could see better. He took great pride in taking care of his family, whether through support and encouragement or tough love that everyone needed occasionally. You could always go to Garry when you needed good life advice, because he wouldn’t be afraid to tell you his opinion. Usually, he was right.

He had this chair in his house, when you went over, the grandchildren always wanted to sit in it. Papaw never got to sit there until he made you get up. We all wanted to feel his love and comfort when we sat in the chair and ate his snacks or strawberry cake. Now whenever someone needs to reminisce with him, they are always welcome to go sit in his chair and have a handful of snacks that will always be there.

Garry departed this earth on a high note, doing something he loved, serving his community. This has been a great comfort to his family and friends that miss his dearly but know that he rests in perfect hands.