Harry Keys Sr

Harry Ogden Keys, Sr. was born November 2, 1928 in Keyser, West Virginia. He was the seventh of ten children born to union of Harry Keys and Ira Washington Keys. Harry attended Howard High School in Keyser and later served in the United States Army, receiving an honorable discharge from military service in November 1948. In 1993, Harry retired from Western Electric after many years of dedicated service. In addition to his member affiliations with American Legion Post 152 and King David Masonic Lodge No. 116, Harry was a faithful disciple of the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, where he served many years as an usher. His hobbies were hunting and fishing. One of the most beautiful memories we will cherish is Harry singing My Little Buckaroo to his grandchildren from their births to now, with such pride, while we just sat listening as tears came to our eyes. At the age of 83, Harry O., known to some as Peepers, went home to be with our Lord peacefully on Saturday, November 19, 2011 at The Ohio State University Medical Center. Harry is predeceased by his parents, as well as his brother, Edward Keys, and five sisters, Eurith Keys, Elton Johnson, Blanche Campbell, Nitra June Alexander, and Susan Mitchell. Left to cherish memories of Harry are his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Melva T. Keys; son Harry O. Keys, Jr.; daughters Valerie (Charles) Grooms and Tanya (Keith) Binion; grandchildren, Krystyn and Kara Grooms, and Samantha Binion; sisters Myra Perry and Thelma Stewart; brother David (Joretta) Keys; best friend William Jack Taylor; and a host of special nieces, nephews, other relatives and numerous friends.