A service to celebrate Tommy Key’s 72 years of life is scheduled at 10:00 AM on Thursday, February 23, 2023, at Southcrest Baptist Church. He died on Saturday, February 18, 2023. Please visit this page for a service broadcasting schedule, floral purchasing, and an area to share stories of Tommy with his family.
Tommy Key was born July 1, 1950, to Arlis and Betty Wilson Key in Wichita Falls, TX. He married Glenda Spruiell on August 7, 1982.
Tommy graduated from Burkburnett High School in 1968. He proudly served his country in the US Navy during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1975.
Following his return home, he purchased the small-town cleaners in Iowa Park, TX. He persevered through the lean years and built a thriving business. In 1982, Tommy and Glenda married and began to build their life together as a busy, blended family, enjoying school activities, family activities and family vacations.
Tommy was a serial entrepreneur. There are many memories and fun times from those days. His next success, though, was as a real estate broker. Tommy and Glenda were owners/brokers of Texas Realty in Iowa Park. Tommy was actively involved in his church and community. In 1997 he was awarded Citizen of the Year for his community involvement.
The children grew up and some moved away, and the Lord brought the next exciting chapter in his life. In 2005, Tommy and Glenda moved to Lubbock and became franchisees for Little Caesars Pizza. They would go on to open five stores and then in 2016, they were blessed to sell and retire.
Tommy and Glenda found their church home at Southcrest Baptist Church immediately after moving to Lubbock. Tommy has been active in church life and men’s organizations. Tommy just loved life and loved people and made many lasting friendships.
Tommy’s number one love was for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Second is his family. Next was anything challenging! He was task oriented and could figure out how to fix or install anything. He was extremely competitive and loved golf, cornhole, shuffleboard, any game – especially 42.
Tommy and Glenda definitely enjoyed their retirement life and travel. After his heart attack in 2019, followed by Covid pneumonia in 2020, life slowed down a bit. Tommy kept as active as possible and kept his mind sharp by continuing to read and learn online. He even taught himself day-trading.
Tommy had a large presence in any room, and he will be greatly missed. His heart’s desire is for everyone to have a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ as their savior. Tommy loves a celebration, so he will be eagerly waiting for each one of his family members and friends as we enter Heaven.
Tommy is survived by his wife of 40 years, Glenda Key; sons, Justin (Tess) Key, Brandon Key, Warren (Mary) Wright, and his daughter Andrea (Mike) Rodriguez; grandchildren, Taylor Key, Zak Key, Dillon Key, Corbin Key, Bailey Pruett, and Olivia Wright.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Arlis and Betty Key; and all of his siblings.
Memorial donations can be made to Southcrest building fund @ southcrest.org
To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Tommy Key, please visit our Tribute Store.