Ronnie Leon Key

Augusta, GA – Ronnie Leon Key, 85, beloved husband of Cornelia Ann James Key, entered into rest on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at his residence. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of Chance and Hydrick Funeral Directors, with Pastor Wayne Todd officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m., immediately preceding the service. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park. Ronnie was born in Augusta, Georgia, the son of the late Leon Jackson Key and Edna Powell Key. He spent his working years providing for his family and retired from Kimberly-Clark after 25 years of service as a mechanic. Ronnie was faithfully married to his wife, Ann Key, for 66 years. Together, they built a life centered around family, commitment, and the many memories they shared over more than six decades. To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was “Grandaddy.” That name was more than a title. It reflected the place he held in the family and the countless memories, stories, lessons, and traditions connected to him. Ronnie was a man who enjoyed working with his hands and took pride in doing things well. He enjoyed paint and body work and was an accomplished fisherman, hunter, and outdoorsman. He loved camping and spending time outside. He was also an excellent golfer and, in his younger years, played to a scratch handicap. He loved NASCAR, with Bill Elliott always being his favorite driver, and he was a devoted Georgia Bulldogs football fan. He also loved the Atlanta Braves, and when there wasn’t a race or football game on, he could often be found in his shop listening to the Braves on the radio. Grandaddy was also known for his homemade barbecue sauce and pecan pies, both of which became family favorites. Whether he was fishing, golfing, cooking, working on something, or simply spending time with family and friends, Ronnie enjoyed life and the people around him. He will be remembered as a faithful husband, a father, Grandaddy, friend, veteran, and hardworking man who leaves behind generations of family and a lifetime of memories. Ronnie was a longtime member of the Baptist faith. He was a member of New Beginnings Community Baptist Church and a former member of New Heights Community Church. He was a proud veteran, having served in the United States Air Force and later in the United States Army Reserve. Ronnie was also a 32nd Degree Mason, a member of Fleming Masonic Lodge No. 718, and a member of the Augusta Shrine Club. In addition to his parents, Ronnie was preceded in death by his sisters, Geraldine Suldickas, Freida Carter, and Jewel Libby. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Cornelia Ann James Key; his children, Mitchell Darren Key and his wife, Teresa Key, Denise Renee Lessard, and Ashley Key and his wife, Gale Key; his grandchildren, Jason Key, Tiffany Dupree and her husband, Joe Dupree, Brian Key, Ashlyn Key, Tyler Key and his wife, Kayla Key, Shane Davenport, Haleigh Lessard, and Tommy Key; and his great-grandchildren, Christian Blake Key, Aubrey Stafford, Richard Leighton Stafford, Abbott Grace Hall, Parker Key, Kynsleigh Key, Caleb Dupree, and Mia Dupree. Pallbearers will be his grandsons and great-grandsons. At the request of the family, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. www.alz.org Chance & Hydrick Funeral Directors, 2502 Richmond Hill Road, Augusta, GA, 30906. www.chanceandhydrick.com

Ronnie Leon Key

October 13, 1940 - September 1, 2026