Jack Wayne Key

Mr. Jack Wayne Key, age 92 of Dobson, NC, passed away peacefully at the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home on May 25, 2026. Mr. Key was born in Surry County on December 17, 1933 to the late Lillie Ethel Wall and Ernest Key. Jack dutifully served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War conflict. Upon his return home, he married the love of his life, Lettie Pilson Key. Jack and Lettie were blessed with two daughters, the light of Jack’s life (daddy’s girls) Janet (b. 1968) and Cindy (b. 1977). Jack was a follower of NASCAR racing, cheering for all Ford drivers, an NBA basketball fanatic, COPS show enthusiast and a die-hard UNC basketball fan, keeping up with every incoming and outgoing player, game, statistics and any and EVERY bit of news regarding his beloved “TARHEELS.” Jack was fiercely independent and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life- putting wood in the stove, watching westerns, chewing his Trophy tobacco and enjoying an afternoon nap upon the conclusion of an ice cold Pepsi. Jack will always be remembered with a smile on his face and full of laughter, as even life’s toughest moments were met with humor. Jack is survived by his daughters, Janet Lynn “Key” Buelin, Cindy Gail Key; grandchildren, Kirsten Buelin Martin (Adam) and Korey Wayne Buelin (Marisa); great-grandchildren, Christian Alexander Martin, Victoria “Tori Rose” Martin and Charles “Charlie” Wayne Buelin; sisters Betty Jean (Key) “Sis” Hayden and Lillie Mae “Cudy” (Key) Brown; brother-in-law, Eddie Brown; several nieces and nephews; and son-in-law, whom he considered his son, Jonah Wayne Buelin. In addition to his mother, father and wife, Jack was preceded in death by his older brother Spencer Gray Key Sr.; and very special aunt, Bessie Emma Wall. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to the staff, nurses and doctors at the Hospice home, as they displayed impeccable love, kindness and care to “papa Jack” throughout his stay there; what a blessing they were to him in his final moments. Funeral details are forthcoming. Moody-Davis Funeral Service in Dobson, NC is serving the Key family.