Lanny L. Key

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Celebrating the life of
Lanny L. KeySeptember 22, 1942 - May 15, 2014

SAVANNAH – Lanny Laroy Key, 71, died of heart failure on May 15, 2014, in Savannah, Georgia, where he had recently moved from his native Mississippi to be nearer his grandchildren.

He was born on September 22, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee, and spent his youth in Coldwater, Mississippi, where he worked on the family farm until his graduation from Coldwater High School in 1960. He briefly attended Northwest Mississippi Junior College, where he played several collegiate sports.

Lanny worked in sales in the oil, asphalt, and roadbuilding industry for much of his professional life, serving with Southland Oil Company for thirty years before his retirement in 2004. He was an active member of the Madison Church of Christ, in Madison, Mississippi, where he taught Sunday School. Lanny devoted many of his best years to coaching youth sports for his children and was a fierce recruiter of the best young athletes in central Mississippi, leading to many football and baseball championships and trophies over the years. He was a master strategist of the squeeze bunt and wishbone.

Lanny was a devoted hunter of most warm-blooded game animals, with a particular fondness for the North American whitetail deer. Of all his gifts, Lanny was a prodigious angler, fishing on the Red Man Tournament Trail and in many of the largest fishing tournaments in the Southeastern U.S. from the 1970s through the 2000s. In 1983, he was named Angler of the Year by the historic Lakeview Bassmasters. He never met a fish he couldn't catch, and he never met a stranger he couldn't make a friend. He was known far and wide as a garrulous and fulsome man. Nobody who met Lanny Key ever forgot him.

More than anything, Lanny was a family man. He had no interests that did not involve his children, for whom he would, and did, do anything. The love of his life was Emily Simmons Key, native of Greenwood, Mississippi, to whom he was married for almost 40 years. Other survivors include daughter Tanya Key Mansfield of Memphis, Tennessee; son and daughter-in-law Clint Striplin and Lisa Dawson Striplin of Bastrop, Louisiana; son and daughter-in-law Dr. Harrison Scott Key and Lauren Roberts Key of Savannah, Georgia; and grandchildren Stephen Mansfield, Andrew Mansfield, Simmons Key, Eppie Key, and Ferris Key. Also surviving is a sister, Paula Key Jenkins, of Southaven, Mississippi.

Only recently had Lanny and Emily moved to Savannah, to be closer to their three youngest grandchildren, whom he loved fiercely and talked about without ceasing. They were his heart, and he spent his final days with them and his family.

A memorial service, officiated by Mr. Nathan Pirtle, was held at the Islands Chapel of Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, followed by burial at Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah. Pallbearers include Clint Striplin, Harrison Key, Lee Griffith, Michael Spencer, Jimbo Bass, and Todd Burdge.

The family suggests any remembrances be made in his honor to The Habersham School, P.O. Box 16712, Savannah, Georgia 31416.

Please sign our on line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com

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Please accept the deepest condolences of the entire SCAD community in the loss of Lanny, a dearly loved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. The service that honored him was a beautiful tribute to his life and legacy. Thank you for letting your friends know more about the wit and grit of Lanny, a son of the South. God bless and comfort you and yours, Paula Wallace SCAD President and Cofounder

- Paula Wallace, Savannah, GA

Dear Harrison & Lauren, We are so sorry for your loss. We know how much your Father meant to you and wish we had the opportunity to meet him in person. Thankfully his memory will live on through your stories and all of your wonderful memories. Love, Katie & Lee

- Katie Johnson & Lee Griffith, Savannah, GA

Emily, sorry to hear about Lanny. Our prayers are with you and the family. I have many memories of working with him for over 25 years. But the most vivid memory is when we went bass fishing at Grenada Lake. We caught the limit that day. He loved to bass fish.

- Joe and June Thornton, Brandon, MS

Harrison: My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I hope that all the wonderful memories you must have of your dad will help you all get through this difficult time.

- Randy Moffett, Savannah, GA

With deepest sympathy to the Key family for the loss of your dear loved one. During this most difficult time, may your hearts be comforted by Jehovah God's promise to 'swallow up death forever and to wipe away the tears from all faces.'Isaiah 25:8

- Annie Thomas, Snellville, GA

So sorry to hear of Lanny's passing. Our thoughts are with you during this sad time.

- Debbie Franklin, PEARL, MS

So sorry for your loss. We will be praying for the family. Love, Jackie & Judy Mullins

- Jackie & Judy Mullins, Maumelle, AR