Bobby Joe Key, 77, of Franklin, passed away Sunday, January 9, 2011.

Born in Ararat, NC, he was the son of the late Gilbert Russell Key and Kate Cook Key. In addition he was preceded in death by a sister, Irene Key Lackowski. He was a LTJG US Navy veteran from 1955-1959, serving as executive officer on the USS Cocopa. Bobby graduated from Davidson College (B.S. 1955) and the University of North Carolina (J.D., 1964). He was admitted to the North Carolina State Bar in 1964. He was a member of the Macon County Bar Association, North Carolina Bar Association and the North Carolina State Bar. He was a partner in the Jones, Key, Melvin & Patton Law Firm and was the Town of Franklin attorney for 39 years. Bobby enjoyed golfing and fishing. He was a member of the VFW Post 7339.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Zaglin Key; four children, Gilbert Russell Key, II and wife Kathi of Franklin, Adelaide Key Green and husband Carson of Franklin, Jonathan Worth Key and wife Barbara of Waynesville and David Daniels Key and wife Kathy of Franklin; two step daughters, Kimberly Duncan Field and husband Michael of Atlanta, GA and Ashley Vinson and husband Clay of Franklin; thirteen grandchildren; six great grandchildren; niece, Liz Seyferth; nephew, Doug Lackowski.

Graveside Service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 14, at Woodlawn Cemetery.
Memorial Service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, January 15, at Macon Funeral Home. Rev. Janet Greene will officiate. The family will receive friends from 2-3 p.m. prior to the service.

Memorial donations can be made to Veterans Memorial of Macon County, c/o American Legion, P.O. Box 474, Franklin, NC 28744 (veteransmemorialmaconcounty.org) or Hospice House Foundation, PO Box 815, Franklin, NC 28744.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com