John Keys

NEWPORT, RI - John Keys, 80, of 65 Friendship Street, Newport, RI, died Thursday, June 23, 2005 at Newport Hospital, Newport, RI. He was the husband of Eleanor Walker Keys.Born in Waycross, GA on July 7, 1924, he was the son of the late Alexander Waymon and Rosa Waters Keys.Early in his life John moved to Valdosta, GA and at the age of 17 entered into the United States Navy. He served during World War II, and served nearly 39 years of total service in active and reserve duty. Over his time in the Navy he completed programs in Navigation and Mine Warfare and attained the rank of Bosun?s Mate, First Class. After the military he went to Boardman Trade School in New Haven, Conn and received his diploma in Automobile Mechanics. Mr. Keys then worked for his father in law as a mechanic for Newport City Garage, now known as the Walker Building. In 1957 he became a self employed taxi driver with NITA Newport Independent Taxi Association and worked until his illness, about a year ago. John was a Diamond Life Member of the Newport NAACP and a member of Community Baptist Church. Mr. Keys was also an excellent cook, enjoyed maintaining his garden and was a longtime photographer, often shooting scenes of Newport and the destinations he travelled to. Besides his wife of sixty years, he is survived by his son John W. Keys of Cambridge, MA, his sisters Julia Woods and Fannie M. Harper both of Valdosta, GA, his cousins Clarkie Matthews, Easter Hart of Bainbridge, GA, Ronald Hilliard, Ophelia Harley, Beverly Johnson, Reginald Hilliard, Soloman Waters, Ebenezer Waters and sisters in law Sarah M. Pener and Bessie L. Roberts, many other cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.He was the father of the late Helen Rebecca Keys and the brother of the late Isaac Keys. His funeral will be held on Tuesday, June 28, 2005, at 11:00 AM in Community Baptist Church, 50 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Boulevard, Newport. Burial will be in Newport Memorial Park in Middletown.Calling hours will be held on Monday, June 27, 2005, from 2-4 and 7-9 in the Memorial Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers donations in Johns name may be made to the Robert L. Williams Scholarship Fund, of Community Baptist Church, 50 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Boulevard, Newport, RI 02840, the Ermino Lisbon Scholarship Fund of the Newport NAACP, 72E Dr. Marcus Wheatland Boulevard, Newport, RI 02840 or to the Visiting Nurse Services Of Newport Bristol Cos, 1184 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871.