Richard Dale Key

Richard Dale Key, 63, of Gainesville, GA was reunited with his mother in Paradise on September 18, 2022. Richard had a gift for making beautiful things with his hands out of discarded, left behind and broken pieces. He was a carpenter by trade and took extreme pride in his work and he passed his knowledge and love for woodworking and building onto his sons. He had music burning in his soul like a fire cupped in two hands and he was known to refer to music as his Mother, who carried him through trying times in his life. He loved his Indian motorcycle and collecting all unique and eclectic things. He was a talented writer and story teller and had a special knack for extending open arms and welcoming strays in and giving them a loving and accepting, soft place to land. He was never happier than when rallying round the family, cooking good food, playing music and telling jokes and stories and laughing together. He was a man who always brought laughter and wisdom everywhere he went. The light he brought into this world will be sorely missed by so many and the essence and aura that left this world with him can’t possibly be adequately put into words. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil (Chuck) and Jimmie Jo Gunter; his father, Curtis Key; his wife and mother to his children, Theresa Key, and his niece, Amanda (Mandy) Tallant.

He is survived by his children and their spouses, Melissa Key Pilcher, Joshua and Samota Key, Michelle and Kody Hanks, and Jeramiah Key and his fiance Elizabeth Flack; His fiance Veronica Lewis and bonus daughter, Autumn Cojo; His sisters and brothers in-law, Pam and Aaron Ramey, and Terri and Chon Guzman; His brothers, Carl Key, and Ryan Key; His grandchildren that he adored beyond measure, Alec, Noah, John Richard, Isaac, Aaliyah, Magnolia, Gideon, Jada, Kyler, and Faythlynn; And his great granddaughters, Ansley and Saylor. 

A graveside service will be held at 12:00 pm (noon) on Friday, September 23, 2022 at Coal Mountain Baptist Church Cemetery, where, honoring Richard’s wishes, his body will be laid to rest next to his Mom and Pop. Long-time family friend and brother, Rev. Charles Brocket will be officiating. A celebration of life in true Richard Key fashion (or you may know him as Redeye) will follow.

Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory, 210 Ingram Avenue, Cumming, GA