Charles Leslie Edmun “Chuck” Key, age 67 of Hope, Arkansas, passed away Sunday, September 10, 2023, at Wadley Regional Medical Center at Hope from an aortic aneurysm.  He was born on April 11, 1956, to Charles Edward and Joan Key. Chuck was a member of New Hope Baptist Church of Hope.  He managed Key Oil Company for his dad for many years. Later he worked for Southwest Arkansas Team Security as a manager and a private investigator along with working as a Hempstead County Reserve Officer. In 2004 he worked at Southwest Arkansas Counseling and Mental Health as a case manager, where he retired in April 2018.

Chuck enjoyed watching documentaries, which is how he learned “his version of trivia” that he would call his “useless knowledge”.  He also had fun flying airplanes, selling watermelons, fly fishing, hunting all types of game, making up ideas for fund raising events for Evening Lions for which he was recognized for several awards.

He was an Arkansas Enhanced Concealed Handgun Carry License Instructor and owner of National Testing, for which he was certified in drug and alcohol screening. He was recognized by International Lions with a Distinguished Service Award, Lion of the Year, President’s Award, Outstanding Lion Award and the highest-level award, the Melvin Jones Fellow.

He has four Arkansas State Records from Internal Game and Fish Association for fly fishing which he was noted for in The Guiness Book of World Records. But his most precious time was spent with his kids and grandchildren. Recently, he unofficially, “adopted” one more, Walker Sears.

Chuck was preceded in death by his daughter, Tiffany Michelle Key Stanley and his father, Charles Edward Key. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Sheila Key. Daughter, Ashlea Key (Pedie) and granddaughter, Ava of Marked Tree, AR.  Daughter, Meredith Ivy (Lee) and grandson, Jackson of Cushing, OK. Two brothers, Greg Key of Lone Oak, TX and Scott Key of Hope, AR. Eleven nieces and nephews, 20 great nieces and nephews.

Visitation Thursday, September 14, 2023, from 5 pm to 7 pm at Brazzel-Oakcrest with funeral services on Friday, September 15, 2023, at 2 pm, with Bro. Neal Ridling officiating. Graveside to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Hope, AR.

Chuck’s sister-in-law, Martha Cummings, said it best, “it’s Tiffany’s turn now”.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of BRAZZEL/Oakcrest The Funeral Home of Hope. Online condolences: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com