Alfred Virgil Keys

January 26, 1929 - April 2, 2012

Alfred ‘Virgil’ Keys, age 83, of Newark, DE, passed away on Monday, April 2, 2012. He was born on January 26, 1929 to the late Arthur and Alice (Harmon) Keys.

Mr. Keys started working in the coal mines in West Virginia before he moved to Delaware in 1954, where he began working for County Plumbing and Heating. Later he started his own plumbing business with his son, Larry, known as Keys & Son Plumbing. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting, and was an avid Eagles and Phillies fan. He was a loving father and grandfather and was a very kind and caring person to all.

He is survived by his daughters, Phyllis A Keys Cragle of Elkton, MD and Evelyn “Bunny” Keys Renshaw and her husband, William E. Renshaw of Elkton, MD; 6 grandchildren, Sheila F. Mitchell, Larry V. Keys Jr., Steph F. Cockerham, 1st Sgt. Phyllis J. Combs, James P. Stewart and Shawn E. Keys; 12 great grandchildren; and 1 great great grandson.

Virgil was preceded in death by his wife, Mollie Ann Keys and son, Larry V. Keys.

Services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, April 6, 2012 in the Glasgow Baptist Church, Old County Road, Newark, DE, where friends and family may call one hour prior. Additional visitation with the family will also be held on Thursday, April 5, 2012 from 7-9 pm at R.T. Foard Funeral Home, P.A., 259 East Main Street, Elkton, MD 21921. Burial will be at Gracelawn Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, c/o the funeral home.

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Alfred ‘Virgil’ Keys, age 83, of Newark, DE, passed away on Monday, April 2, 2012. He was born on January 26, 1929 to the late Arthur and Alice (Harmon) Keys. Mr. Keys started working in the coal mines in West Virginia before he moved to Delaware in 1954, where he began working for County PlumbingContinue Reading

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The funeral dioertcr will be able to advise you on guestbooks and such. I have had to make arrangements for a number of loved ones that have passed away. Personally, I believe that most funerals are for the living, not the dead. They give people a chance to reflect and mourn while being able to lean on each other for support. While this is so often necessary, I believe a funeral or memorial service should be a celebration of the deceased's life. I have seen powerpoint presentations of photographs of the deceased enjoying life. To see fond memories made me grateful for the time we had together, and brought a warm smile to my heart in the saddest of times. Often, friends and relatives had addressed the mourners, retelling favorite stories, or even a favorite joke of their loved one.Ask yourself, What would he want? A fun loving man such as you describe would possibly be best memorialized in joy, rather than in grief.

Our prayers are with you and your family. Sometimes words can't ease your pain but all you have to do is remember him. Remember his talks, laugh, advice, and love he had for you. He'll never be far from you. Know that he is at home with his creator and who could look after him better? If you need anything, we'll be there.

Godspeed Virg It has been a pleasure being your next door neighbor for the last 35 years. Have a lot of good memories of the good old days! You will be missed by alll of us. Rest in Peace! Love, Earl, Diane Bud & Chris Stoddard

First Sergeant words can't express how sorry that I am for the loved one that you and your family has lost. I hope and pray that you and your family hold dear to your heart's all of the cherished memory's that you all had with your grandfather and let those memory's fill your hearts with tears of joy and not of pain for having the spent the time that you did with him. Know that me and my family will always be there for you and yours should you ever need us and know that I stand here with you in Kuwait should you ever feel the need of a shoulder to lean on or a ear to listen.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I love you. You will be missed more than you know.

My Dad, my buddy...The last 5 months with you, caring for you, loving you, and being able to give back to you for all you have given me over the years, have been more special and rewarding than words can ever say! I love you and will miss you dearly, but I know God will take care of you and I will be with you again someday. Rest in Peace!

My deepest sympathy goes out to the family and friends of Mr. Keys! Words are never enough to overcome the feeling of loss you all must feel at times like these. But, to have known each other and shared all of the highs and lows life has to offer, words cannot express that either! Good families and good friends over come all obstacles together, to include grief, . They also know they we see each other again; this life is but a passing to greater things!! Chief

PAW PAW Rest In Peace, I Love You Jeni

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.