Frank Sims Key, Jr. of Florence died on Monday, August 12, 2019. He was 95. Frank was born on January 20, 1924, in Gastonia, N.C., the son of the late Frank Sims Key, Sr. and Rachel Auld Key.
After graduating from Florence High School, Frank attended Davidson College and graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology.
He served as a Naval Aviator during World War II. Upon his return to Florence, he joined his father in the roofing business for several years. In the early 1960s, he became a part of Sanborn Chase’s team at Vulcraft as an engineer.
Later, in 1966, he and two partners founded Socar, where he would work until his retirement in 2006. Frank was an excellent tennis player, a lover of automobiles, a great Sunday School teacher and a quiet mentor to many people. He and his wife, Peggy, and several other Christian friends started the East Florence Mission in the early 1970s and remain involved with that ministry to this day.
Frank is survived by his wife of 69 years, Peggy Elmore Key. In addition, there are four children: Randy (Gigi) Key of Florence, SC; Margaret (Ken) Charles of Florence, SC; Charlie (Marilyn) Key of Timmonsville, SC; and Pete (Katy) Key of James Island, SC. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
A family burial will take place on Wednesday, directed by Waters-Powell Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the P. E. K. Foundation, Post Office Box 649, Florence, SC 29503.
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