LTC (Retired) Robert Grant Key Jr, “Rob” age 53 of Clarksville, Tennessee, passed away Saturday, August 13, 2016 at his home under AseraCare Hospice, after a courageous battle against brain cancer.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 17, 2016, at Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home. Funeral services will also be held at the same location on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. with Chaplain Will Silva officiating and burial will follow at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West with Full Military Honors.

He was born on October 22, 1962, in Knoxville Tennessee to Robert Grant Key Sr. and the late Nancy Bell Key. He was also preceded in death by his beloved maternal grandmother, Anita Little Bell and maternal grandfather, Franklin Bell. Paternal grandmother Ina Grant Key and paternal grandfather James C. Key Sr.

He graduated from Bearden High School in 1980.

Rob was devoted to his family, a loving husband and a proud and caring father. He is survived by this loving and devoted wife, Donna Lee Abrahamson Key of 29 years, his adoring children his son, Robert Grant Key III and his daughter, Kaitlin Sara Key. His father, Robert Grant Key Sr. and wife Marilyn of DeRidder, Louisiana. His wife’s parents, Bill and Elaine Abrahamson and brother In-law, Bill Abrahamson Jr. all of Columbus Georgia. Devoted brother and sister of the heart, Frederick and Kimberly Tyree Jones of Clarksville, Tennessee. Loving cousin, Nancy (Key) Holmes and numerous beloved family members.

He graduation from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor’s of Science in 1985. He was recognized as a Distinguished Military Graduate and was awarded a Regular Army Commission.

He proudly Served over 27 years on Active Duty. Aside from Serving with the 101st Airborne Division, which was nearest and dearest to his heart and from which he retired. Rob also served with 10th Mountain Division, JRTC Operation Group, 2nd Infantry Division, Assigned and Served at the Pentagon. Among his numerous military accomplishments his most noted are: Ranger Tab, Pathfinder Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Army Staff Identification Badge, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal and the Order Of Saint Maurice Medal.

LTC Key was the embodiment of the mission comes first. His dedication and outstanding planning skills contributed immensely to improving the medical care provided to Soldiers. He was the Chief architect of the air evacuation plan for medical operations at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital Fort Campbell Kentucky.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the numerous friends and neighbors from near and far who gave continuous love and support. In addition, we would like to express our sincerest admiration and gratitude to AseraCare Hospice. Especially, the loving hands, of Nichole Ely, R.N. and Cesdro Doss, CNA. Also many thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Skyline Medical Center and our angel Lauren Benke.

Pallbearers will be Sid McManus, Fred Jones, Robert “Grant” Key, III, Dave Galbraith, Calvin Williams, Scott Larsen, and Bill Abrahamson, Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Clay Thomas, Scott Moore, Craig Brown, John Cardwell, Daniel Langenburg, John Knight, Rochelle Wasserman, and Richard Powell.

Memorial contribution may be made to the Fort Campbell Fisher House, 652 Joel Drive, Fort Campbell, KY. 42223 or to the 101st Airborne Division Association, 32 Screaming Eagle Boulevard. P.O. Box 929, Fort Campbell, KY. 42223.

Arrangements entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040.