07/02/2016
BUD KEY
Frederick D. “Bud” Key, 89, of Bardin went to be with the Lord Thursday, June 30, 2016 at Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center in Palatka following an extended illness.
Bud was born at home in Springside and had been a lifelong resident of Bardin. He was a 1946 graduate of the Mellon High School in Palatka. He served honorably in the United States Army. In his earlier years he had managed grocery stores all over Florida. He later worked as a territory manager in Florida for Frito Lay. In 1966 he bought a store in Bardin from his step-father, Nathan Wilkinson, and established Bud’s Grocery which he owned and operated for the rest of his life, having to retire recently due to declining health. He was devoted to the Lord, his family and his business. He had helped many families over the years with his grocery business. He was a member of the Providence Baptist Church in Harlem where he served as a trustee and was on several committees.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Willis and Mae Key; his step-father, Rev. Nathan Wilkinson; five brothers, Ancil Key, Wallace Key, Wardell Key, Kent Key and Wayne Key; and three sisters, Naomi Moody, Vallene Capo and Aubrei Cone.
Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Norma Key of Bardin; a daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Lloyd Moore of Bardin; a son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Leilani Key of Bardin; special nieces who were almost like daughters to him and their spouses, Cindy Medlock, LaWanna and Allen Lee, and Sherry and Mark Moore, all of Bardin; numerous other nieces and nephews; four grandchildren and spouses, Andrea and C.R. Wells of San Mateo, Heather Brooks of DePew, NY, Kristin and David White of Bardin, and Jessica Key of San Clemente, CA; and three great grandchildren, Caelyn Wells, Anslee Wells, and Adalynn White.
The family will begin receiving friends at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, July 3rd at Masters Funeral Home in Palatka. Funeral services will follow at 4:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home with Pastor Rudy Howard and Pastor Bill Shepherd officiating. In honor and celebration of Bud’s life a Video Tribute will be shown. Burial will follow in the Etoniah Cemetery in Bardin with military honors bestowed by the U.S. Army.
Flowers are accepted or memorial gifts may be sent to Providence Baptist Church for the building fund, 141 North Providence Church Road, Palatka, FL 32177 or Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center, 6400 St. Johns Ave., Palatka, FL 32177. Friends may sign the online register at www.themastersfuneralhomes.com.
