Thomas “Jack” James Key

Thomas James Key better known as “Jack” age 68 of Creston died Saturday, June 23, 2018 at his home. Born in Ashe County on April 5, 1950 to Walter Thomas “Tom” and Lena Ethel Farmer Key. He was preceded in death by his father, and one brother Leonard Key. Jack enjoyed fishing, hunting, collecting antiques, spending time with his dog Whiskey, farming, collecting, racing and selling cars.

Mr. Key is survived by, his wife, Patricia Ann Blankenship Key; one son, Ray Key and wife Rosanna of Creston; seven daughters, Jennifer Walton of West Jefferson, Jackie Royall and husband Joseph of the home, Jessica Phillippi and husband Richie of Creston, Shelby Key of Boone, Carol Key, Mountain City, TN, Sarah Winebarger and husband Brent of Boone, Diane Wilson of Creston; his mother, Lena Farmer Key of the home; three sisters, Barbara Isley of West Jefferson, Ester Smith of Granite Falls, Carolyn Aldridge of Lenoir; two brothers, William Key of Mountain City, TN, Sammy Key of Creston; 22 grandchildren, Alexander Bare, Kayla Osborne, Alaska Royall, Sierra Walton, Tyler Milam, Jeremiah Milam, Taylor Milam, Laci Lambert, Gage Lambert, Anna Johnson, Billie Sue Shilling, Brandi Eggers, Logan Phillippi, Makayla Roark, Madison Roark, Anna Winebarger, Nathan Winebarger, Shayleah Eggers, Shyanna Eggers, Channah Eggers, Chloe Eggers, and Johnathan Rash; 4 great-grandchildren, Marcus Bare, Payton Milam, Navealynne Bare, and Autumn Dawn Rash; special companion, Ruby Eggers, friend Cindy Roten, and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 28, 2018 at 2:00 pm at Big Laurel Church of Christ in Christian Union by Rev. Darrell Graybeal, Pastor Larry Denny and Pastor Spencer Roark. Burial will follow in the Key-Graybeal Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2018 at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel.

Flowers will be appreciated or memorials may be made to the family at 4982 Big Laurel Road, Creston, NC 28615.

You may send and view condolences to the family through our website, www.ashelawn.com.

Ashelawn Memorial Chapel and Gardens was entrusted with Mr. Key's arrangements.