James Frederick "Freddy" O'Mary Key 63, died June 15 at his home in Greensboro. The memorial service will be Monday, June 22 at 11 a.m. at Greensboro Baptist church, with visitation at the church from 10:30 to 11 a.m. The Rev. Dee McGuire, Dr. James E. Massey, and the Rev. Arthur Thomas will be officiating, and Rebecca Kay Wetzel will be delivering the Eulogy. Music will be Provided by Dianne Colburn, and Kirk Funeral Homes Greensboro Chapel is directing. Inurnment will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery near Carbon Hill at 3:30 p.m., where he will be laid to rest beside his parents. Directions to the cemetery will be available at the service.

Pallbearers will be Ronnie Thomas, Melvin Cothran, Shaun Bonds, Kent Johnson, Tommy Washburn, Marty Colburn, Lee Moore and Winn Jones. Honorary pallbearers will be Jane Smith Bowers, Ellis and Viva Dean Faught, Fredrick and Betty Sue Thomas, Julian Williams, Dan wilson, Wayne Osborn, Yunona Jones, Judy Bonds, Frank Wilkerson, Keith and Brandy Roye, all former GHS Warrior and Samford University teamamtes, the Rev. Clarke Skelton, Dale and Julia Skelton, Regina Washburn, Stephen Clements, Mark Nelson, John L. Morrison, Austin Cornett, Kalton Roy, Jacob Jones, Craig Hoggle, Tristan Hall, Dylan Colburn, all former players Freddy coached at any time, Dr. John Key, Dr. Bill Key, Mike Key, Dr. Shelby and Frances Smith, Robbie Rose, Laird Cole, Jo Ann Colburn Thomas, the College Court Gang, Bill and Ashley Hallett , the Kenneth Justice Family, Terry Feist and Rollanda Cothran.

Freddy was preceded by his parents James William and Imogene O'Mary Key of Greensboro; sister, Mila Key Johnston of Greensboro.

He is survived by his daughter, Mila Rebekah Key of Boligee, and her sisters Jessica Boler and Christa Boler of Gulf Shores and Ryan Thompson of Brent; sister, Rebecca Key Wetzel (Richard C. Wetzel Jr) of Glen Allen Va.; nephews, Richard C. Wetzel III (Suzanne Spangler) of Glen Allen,Va. and Matthew E. Wetzel of Minneapolis; nieces Olivia Wetzel and Emma Wetzel both of Glen Allen, Va.; aunts, Daisy O"Mary Collins of Auburn and Joy O'Mary Yeager of Greensboro.

A native of Greensboro , he graduated from Greensboro High School in 1969. He graduated from Samford University in 1973 where he played varsity football, was a member of APO service Fraternity.

After completing Samford, he coached multiple sports and served as an umpire. Since 1970, he has been an auctioneer. He was a past member of the Hale County Development Corporation, served on the Greensboro Baptist Church House and Grounds committee, and was a member of the church choir. One of his greatest joys was his day lily garden, Wind Chimes Garden, wherein he cared for thousands of liies, many of which he hybridized. He also touched the lives of countless children by his portrayal of Santa Claus, complete with his natural flowing white beard, hair and glasses.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be given to the Greensboro Baptist Church House and Grounds, the Alabama Baptist Childrens Home, and/or The Mila Key Johnston Schloarship at The University of Alabama, c/o the Office of University Advancement, G14 Rose Administration Building, Box 870101, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487-0101.