Winston Owens Key

Winston Owens (W.O.) Key, age 94 and one-half years, passed from this life to the next on Thanksgiving morning, November 24, 2011. A member of First Baptist Church of Maryville, Tennessee, Winston was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob A. and Della Miller Key, and by his brother and sister-in-law, Clyde E and Gladys L. Key. Survived by his precious bride of 66 years, Etheleen J. Key; daughter and son-in-law, Jane and Guy Merritt; brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Pat Key. Also by nephews Jim, Harold, and Mike Key and niece Leann Key; and several grand nieces and nephews. Winston was born May 19, 1917, in the mountains of North Georgia near Ellijay. After graduating from Gilmer County High School in 1936, where he lettered in both track and basketball, Winston was hired to teach elementary school in one- and two-room schools in Gilmer County. One of the duties of this job was to drive and maintain the school bus. Later he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps, enabling Winston to travel the country (Chicago and Oregon) and to send money home to his Dad's farm. A proud veteran of World War II, Winston served in an anti-aircraft unit on several islands in the Pacific. Being one of the first to operate a computer-guided anti-aircraft gun, Winston often noted the computer was so large, it was hauled around in the bed of a pick-up truck. At war's end, Winston and Etheleen were married on Christmas Eve, 1945; and after honeymooning in Atlanta (see picture), they eventually settled in Maryville, Tennessee, where Winston went to work for ALCOA from which he retired after 33 years as a Millwright Mechanic primarily at the North Plant. While working full-time, Winston started college under the G.I. Bill and eventually graduated from UT-Knoxville with a BS in Agronomy and a teacher's certificate. During the same timeframe, he obtained his private pilot's license. After retirement, Winston and Etheleen experimented with many hobbies; but their greatest joy was ballroom dancing, which they pursued with gusto well into their early 90’s. They made many true friends among the Everett Senior Center Dancers, and wish to thank them for their camaraderie and continued concern during Winston's illnesses. Another of Winston's loves was teaching ballroom dance, which he did often at the Everett Senior Center and for many years at Maryville High School in the term just preceding Prom. Winston spent a great deal of time and effort landscaping and gardening in his yard, both personally and later with the much appreciated help of Terry Bishop. In recent years, Winston and Etheleen have enjoyed the food and good friendship of the spectacular volunteers from Meals on Wheels, Route # 4. To the folks at Home Instead Senior Care, there are not words enough to express the thanks for the care, concern, trustworthiness, and innovation provided to Winston, Etheleen, and Jane. We could not have completed this journey without you. For the professionalism, personal interest, and top-notch care during his successful defeat of bladder cancer and during the attack from pancreatic cancer which has taken his life, Winston and his family would like to give heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the staffs at Blount Memorial Hospital, Asbury Place Rehab Center, and Colonial Hills Nursing Center (where he peacefully passed away), as well as to Doctors Petty, Schrock, and Mynatt and their excellent nurses. The family will receive friends beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 27, 2011 at Smith Trinity Chapel with funeral to follow at 6:00 p.m. Family and friends will assemble for graveside service and interment on Monday, November 28, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Grandview Cemetery. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Winston Owens Key please visit our Sympathy Store.