William ‘Bill’ Key

William “Bill” Key, 69, of Bowling Green, died Nov. 8, 2013, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer at the Hospice Center of Southern Kentucky. 

The Barren County native was a U.S. Army veteran. He served three years in Alaska as a communications specialist. He later served as a police officer in Cave City and Glasgow. His career progressed in 1978 as a Bowling Green police officer, where he achieved many prestigious goals as well as being designated public relations officer. He was promoted to sergeant before his retirement in 2000. His last career was with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office in 2005, where he served faithfully until his death. 

He was one of six children born to the late Orville Howard and Dimple Shoopman Key. He will forever be remembered by his brothers and sisters, Orville Gene Key of Glasgow, Claude Vance Key of Gulfport, Miss., Gail Kender (Zack) of Lucas, Ann Basil (Bland) of Mechanicsburg, Ill., and Peggy Patrick of Glasgow. He is also survived by his two daughters, Chandra Key-Duff (David) and Christina Childers (Scott), both of Bowling Green; eight treasured grandchildren, Kaelob Boyd, Madisyn and George Duff, Savannah and Hailey Wells, Madeline, Hunter and Henry Childers; His longtime girlfriend, Wanda Smithhisler of Bowling Green; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and countless friends and family who were blessed to know him.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and after 8 a.m. Tuesday at the J.C. Kirby and Son Broadway Chapel. Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the J.C. Kirby and Son Broadway Chapel, with burial in Bowling Green Gardens. 

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Hospice of Southern Kentucky, American Cancer Society or the FOP.