Thomas Willie Keys, 76, of Mocksville, formerly of Macon, Ga., died Monday, Feb, 5, 2018 at his home.

He was born Aug. 10, 1941 in Byron, Ga. to the late Willie and Maggie Keys. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.  He was a loving husband, father and papa, a devoted Western Little League coach and Windsor Academy varsity softball coach.  He was a cowboy at heart and loved his horses.    

He was preceded in death by his sidekick, Quarter; a sister, Margaret Howard; and 2 brothers-in-law, Lamar Davis and Francis Howard.

Survivors: his wife of 53 years, Lavonia; their 2 children, Lenny Keys (Elizabeth) and Candy Keys O’Neal (Dean); their 4 grandchildren, Nickolas “Buckshot”, Sydney, Madi and Charley; a sister, Betty Davis of Georgia; and nieces and nephews, Ronnie Howard (Debbie), Pat Peterson (Larry) and Bill Davis (Sandy).

A memorial service will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9 at Bailey’s Chapel United Methodist Church, Advance.

Memorials: Shriners Hospitals for Children, 950 W Faris Rd, Greenville, SC 29605; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 2101 Rexford Rd 165W, Charlotte, 28211.

Condolences: www.eatonfuneralservice.com.