William (Bill) Key of Bradenton, FL passed away peacefully on September 26, 2026, at the age of 87.
He was born May 6, 1939, Rock Hill, SC to William and Blanche Key. He served in the Army 9/12/66 - 8/26/68, receiving an Honorable Discharge.
Bill attended Clemson University before transferring to the University South Carolina where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He also attended Law School at USC, receiving his JD, Spring semester, 1966. He passed the Boards and practiced law in Rock Hill until May,1972, when he moved to Florida and began a distinguished career in the finance sector at the Bank of America, retiring 2001.
Bill was an avid and skilled golfer. He loved his dogs. He was curious and had an adventurous streak. In the early 70s he dabbled in yoga and wowed his nephews with his ability to sit comfortably in the lotus position and stand on his head for considerable duration. He enjoyed scuba diving, endurance racing and was a good water skier. He raced in a number of triathlons, as well as the Montreal Marathon, after which he famously celebrated by smoking a cigarette.
Bill loved to read and had a gift for conversation. He talked to you with a gleam in his eye, asked amazing questions, and he was funny. People liked being around him, and he is well remembered by friends and family.
He was predeceased by his parents, William and Blanch Key, son, Matt Key, sister, Betsy Whaley, brothers-in-law Ed DeLoach and Russ DeLoach. He is survived by his wife of 40 years Diane Key and his children, Bart (Sondra), David (Katie) and Heather, brother-in-law, Dr. Preston Whaley, sisters-in-law, Mary Ann DeLoach and Nancy DeLoach, 8 grandchildren and many extended family members.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to your favorite charity.
Services are private.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street, Bradenton, Florida, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
