Herbert C. Key

Herbert Calvin "Herby" Key died peacefully in his sleep and went to be with the Lord at age 87 on Saturday, September 10, 2016. Herby was born in Tallapoosa, GA on August 14, 1929. He was happily married to his loving wife, Elaine, for 62 years. He served in the Navy for 4 years. He worked for 24 years at the Tennessee River Pulp and Paper Company after working at St. Regis Paper Company for 9 years in Jacksonville, FL. Herby retired in 1985. He was an active member of Tate Baptist Church and was named Deacon Emeritus, after serving as a Deacon for over 40 years. Herby's greatest joy in life , after his love for Christ, was his love for his family. He was a true hero to his children and grandchildren. Herby was an avid gardener and loved sharing his vegetables with others. He made hundreds of wooden ink pens and got great joy from giving them to others and donating them to foreign missions. Herby also loved sharing peanuts with his friends and family. Most of all, he loved the Lord Jesus Christ and took every opportunity to share the love of Jesus with others. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Mary Elaine Butts Key of Corinth, MS; his five children, Herby D. Key (Cindy) of Corinth, MS, Kathy Key McClure (Jerry) of Pittsburgh, PA, Dr. Richard D. Key (Laurie) of Dothan, AL, Judy Key Irvin (Wade) of Oxford, MS, and Ronnie Key (Leigh Ann) of Meridian, MS; nine grandchildren, Allison McClure Marsh (Timothy) of Pittsburgh, PA, Trevor Key of Boston, MA, Jonathan Key of Nashville, TN, Amelia Key of Jackson, MS, Ashley Irvin of Columbus, TX, Easton Key of Omaha, NE, Emily Irvin of Oxford, MS, Katie Knight of Corinth, MS, and Casey Key of Meridian, MS; two great-grandchildren, Cecily and Josias Marsh of Pittsburgh, PA; two sisters, Helen Rollins (Marshall) of Charleston, SC and Martha Jane Tolleson, of Carrollton, GA. He was a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Stanley Key and Hazel Law Key; four brothers, Eual Key, Ollie Key, Ralph Key, and Harrison Key; one sister, Lola Key Gladden, and one daughter-in-law, Meta Nichols Key. Funeral services will be Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at 11 AM at Tate Baptist Church in Corinth, MS. Visitation will be Monday, September 12, 2016 from 5-7 PM and one hour before service time on Tuesday, all at Tate Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Gideon's International, PO Box 1603 Corinth, MS 38834 or Tate Baptist Church Building Fund. Magnolia Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be made at magnoliafuneralhome.net