Granville Wilson Key

Granville Wilson Key, 86, of Siloam, passed away December 9, 2021, at Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home. Born May 8, 1935, in Surry County, he was the son of Byrd and Dora Rosewood Key. Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife of sixty-seven years, Rosetta Atkins Key; a daughter and son-in-law, Shirley Key (Rick) Donathan; a grandson, Rick Donathan, Jr. and wife, Kay Donathan; a sister, Roxie Crissman; a sister-in-law, Ozelle Key; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Vance Key, B.A Key, Bob Key, and Ernest Key; a sister, Alice Key Shew; sisters-in-law, Lucy Key, Jerrie Key; and brother-in-law, Claude Crissman.

Growing up on a farm as one of seven children, Granville learned the value of hard work and responsibility. He carried these values on as he married and started a family. Granville and Rosetta Atkins were married in 1954, and from that marriage, a blue-eyed daughter, Shirley, was born. He and Rosetta built a home and a farming life in the Siloam community, working long hours and long years. He raised tobacco and chickens for Holly Farms/ Tyson for those long years. A man of considerable skills in mechanical work and invention, Granville was well known in the community for his ability to repair, rebuild and re-invent. He had a great sense of humor and shared it with neighbors, family, and workers, while working around the farm. When he wasn’t working, Granville enjoyed heading to the coast for pier fishing and always brought back a cooler full of his catch to share with friends and family. A friend and good neighbor to all, Granville will be deeply missed.

A funeral service will be conducted Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at 2:00 PM at Cox-Needham Funeral Chapel. Family will receive friends at the funeral home, from 1:00-2:00 PM, one hour prior to the service. Pastor Joey Lane will be officiating. Interment will follow in the Poplar Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.

Cox-Needham is respectfully serving the Key family. Online condolences may be made online at www.coxneedham.com .

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