John Ross "Speedy" Key, age 84, of Leola, Arkansas, died Saturday, September 1, 2012 in Olive Branch, Mississippi. He was born on December 24, 1927 in Carthage , Arkansas to the late John Walter Key and Sarah Elizabeth Williams Key. Reared and educated in Carthage , he was brought up in the Presbyterian Church. Upon his marriage on Christmas Day, 1947 to Mary Frances Phillips of Leola , Arkansas , the Methodist Church became his lifelong denomination. Mr. Key worked for the railroad industry, living in different locales over the years, and raising his family. When he retired from ConRail as a trainmaster in 1989, he and his wife came back to Arkansas and settled in Leola. They were active members of the Hunters Chapel United Methodist Church .

He is survived by his wife, Mary, of the home; by a daughter, Janet Downs and her husband, Darryl, of Olive Branch; by four sons, John Key, Jr. and his wife Pat of Omaha, Nebraska, David Key and his wife Dot of Monroe, Louisiana, Philip Key and his wife Doreen of Olive Branch, and Mark Key of Ruston, Louisiana; a brother-in-law, Don Phillips of Leola; by nine grandsons, one granddaughter, and 13 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Key was also preceded in death by seven siblings.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday evening, September 3, 2012 from five until seven o'clock.

His funeral will be at one o'clock Tuesday afternoon, September 4, 2012 in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home with Reverends James Batts and Al Harrell officiating.

Interment will follow in Hunters Chapel Cemetery .

Pallbearers will be, Derrick Phillips, Jeremy Downs, Jason Downs, Cason Key, Chris Key, Nathan Key, Matthew Key, Hayley Key, and Keith Willard.

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.