Wade Hampton Key, Jr.

Jackson, SC—Funeral Services for Mr. Wade Hampton Key, Jr., 73, of Old Jackson Highway, Jackson, SC, who died December 31, 2006 will be conducted Wednesday morning at 11 o’clock from the First Baptist Church of Beech Island. Rev. Frank R. Hyder officiating. Interment in Wesley Chapel Cemetery. Mr. Key was a native of Ellenton, SC having made the Jackson-Beech Island area his life-long home. He was the son of the late Wade Hampton and Pearlie Verdell Key, Sr.; a graduate of Ellenton High School, a member of the Beech Island Agricultural Club and was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Beech Island. Mr. Key retired from International Paper with 30 years of service. His true life-long passion was farming, where he served as a mentor to his sons and many other young men in this trade. He was a master at restoring John Deer tractors and he loved wearing his John Deer hat. Mr. Key was a wonderful, loving, faithful husband as well as a kind, gentle and loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved his children and grandchildren’s spouses as if they were his own and he dearly loved all of his extended family and friends. He will be missed by many but never forgotten. We love you Wade, you made us Proud! Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth (Pet) Thomas Key; three sons and daughters-in-law, Josh and Cindy Key, John and Jean Key and Wade Anthony and Sherry Key, all of Jackson; a daughter and son-in-law, Gail and Mike Mullan, North Augusta; two sisters, Dorothy Rabun, Augusta and Grace Grayson, Whitwell, TN; twelve grandchildren, Alison Lowe, Shelley Bowman, Tony Reynolds, Jason Reynolds, Lace Widener, Brandy Key, Jesse Wade Key, Wade Hampton Key, III, Heather Key, Carra Key, Lindsey Key and Whitney Mullan; twelve great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Hampton Key, Jesse key, Tony Reynolds, Jason Reynolds, Jonathan Lowe, Rhett Widener, Steve Bowman and Justin Poteat. Honorary Pallbearers will be Esau Hankerson, Danny Jackson, Donald Pinion, G.W. Jackson, Austin Jackson, Elliott Walker, Kevin Hood, Sam Way and Kurt Bellamy. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday evening from 6 to 8. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Beech Island, 170 Church Road, Beech Island, SC 29842. Stephen D. Posey Funeral Home of North Augusta in charge of arrangements (803.278.1181). Visit the registry online at www.poseyfuneralhome.com.

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Wade Hampton Key, Jr.

November 27, 1933 - December 31, 2006