Alton Eual Key, 82 of Kissimmee, Florida, passed away Friday, October 14, 2022. Al was born in his home in Tallapoosa, Georgia, the second of nine children to Benjamin and Clelon Deering Key on August 28, 1940. His family moved to Yeehaw Junction, Florida and later to St. Cloud. At an early age, Al helped support the family by working before and after school.
Later, he served in the Army and met his wife Glenda. In 1967, Al and his brother Ben purchased the SSS Gas Station that would be called Key’s Service Station; for which he was most known for and where many political and sports discussions took place. Following the closing of the station, Al worked for Osceola County Property Appraiser’s office for several years when he officially retired. He enjoyed his days of retirement by working in the yard and spending time with his wife. Despite never attending the University of Florida, Al was a huge Gator fan and was a season ticket holder for many years.
Al loved his community and served in varied capacities. He served on the Auxiliary Unit of the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office in which he became Captain. He not only was a Mason with the Orange Blossom Lodge #80, F.& A.M. Kissimmee, Al was a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies and a member of the Bahia Shrine Temple both of Orlando. He coached Little League baseball. Al was a member of Eastern Baptist church. He sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, and helped direct traffic at church.
Al was in the 2007 graduating class of Leadership Legends of Osceola County. In addition to working the election polling locations, Al volunteered with several political campaigns. Not only did Al give of his time, he gave of himself by donating countless gallons of blood and apheresis to the Central Florida Blood Bank.
One thing Al loved more than his community was his family. He loved supporting his children and grandchildren in their education endeavors and everything they did from sports to theater.
He is survived by his loving wife Glenda; daughters: Kathy Dicaire of Kissimmee, Nanette Stine (Kevin) of St. Cloud, Florida, Elizabeth Moody (John) of St. Cloud, Florida, Debra Polodna-Frank (William) of Oviedo, Florida; sisters Juanita Miller of Jupiter, Florida, Carol Sikes (Ray) of Winter Haven, Florida; brothers: James Key of Ft. White, Florida and Calvin Key of Chiefland, Florida; Half-sisters Teresa Rayburn (Greg) of Leesburg, Georgia and Becky Hunter (Roy) of Leesburg, Florida; Half-brother Greg Key (Amy) of Parksville, South Carolina. Ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Al is preceded in death by sister Nell Baldwin; brothers: Gene, Ben, and Fred Key; Half-brothers Timothy and Ricky Key.