Ronald “Toby” Key, 71 of Robbinsville, N.C., passed away, Thursday, April 28, 2022, at his residence.
He was a native of Graham County and the son of the late Edna Mae Key Woods. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Nicholas Burchfield; and his brothers, Allen Key and Johnny Key.
Toby was a Veteran of the U.S. Army, having served his country during the Vietnam War. While serving his country, he was awarded the Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Vietnam Service Medal.
He is survived by his wife, Alice Gibson Key; daughters and son-in-law, Donna and Junior Burchfield, Sara Phillips and Crystal Key, all of Robbinsville, N.C.; brothers, Michael Woods and Glen Woods, both of Robbinsville, N.C.; sisters, Donna Kays, Wanda Sellers and Rachel Brown, all of Robbinsville, N.C.
He is also survived by 14 grandchildren: Patrick Burchfield, Heath Burchfield, Audrey Buckle, Anissa Orr, Christopher Burchfield, Kain Galloway, Toby Burchfield, Adrian Lail, Jake Burchfield, Ashley Burchfield, Stacy Phillips, Stephany Graves, Stephen Daves and Aaron Daves; and several great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 1, 2022, at the Townson-Smith Funeral Home Chapel. The Revs. Junior Burchfield and Noah Williams officiated.
Burial followed in the Old Mother Church Cemetery, where Military Rites and Flag Presentation were conducted by the N.C. National Guard Honor Guard, the Carringer-Webster VFW Post No. 8635 and the Eller-Rogers American Legion Post No. 192.
The family received friends from 1-3 p.m. Sunday at the chapel, prior to the service.
Townson-Smith Funeral Home was honored to serve the Key family.
An online register is available at townson-smithfuneralhome.com.