Mr. Danny Keys, age 82, of Limestone, passed away at home on the morning of October 18, 2022. He was born on September 12, 1940, in Washington County, TN. His parents were Serle and Mary Martin Keys. He worked as a Barber for years in Jonesborough and retired from USDA meat inspector in 1995.
To many Danny was known as the last of the genuine cowboys, a legend. His horsemanship was un-excelled. He could ride a horse, drive a horse, plow a horse, shoe a horse, flip off a horse, doctor a horse, remove wolf teeth from a horse, cut a horse, or trade for a better horse. He took many a bride to and from the church on her wedding day in one of his many horse carriages. You could ask about any horseman in the area if they knew Danny Keys and the answer was always “yes.”
He was both a survivor and a victim of heart issues for 31 years. With a driving determination to live and with the help of dedicated, skilled medical teams, he continued to maintain his well-established reputation in this area as a true American cowboy. He loved his family and cherished his many friends, who acknowledged that they learned a lot from him.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by one son, Tony Keys , his sisters, Martha Keys Bales and Nellie Keys Hannabas, brothers, Jimmy Keys and Frank Keys, step-son, Philip Riddle, nephew, Robbie Hannabas, and great-nephew, Logan Keys.
He is survived by his wife, Christine Campbell Keys, who has been his devoted companion for 52 years; his sons, Danny Mack Keys (Janet) and David Joe (Joey) Keys; his sister, Parris Bemben (Charles); his brothers, Charles “Bit” Keys (Rita)and Joe Keys (Nancy); daughter-in-law, Pauline Keys; brothers-in-law, Joe Bales and Bobby Hannabas; sisters-in-law, Zora and Robin; his grandchildren, Miriam Keys Dotson (Ryan), Allison Keys Phillips (Michael) Derek Jordan (Jordy) Keys and Dylan Yates Keys; his great-grandchildren, Xander Dotson, Makyia Dotson, Sawyer Keys, Jaxon and Jace Phillips; nieces and nephews, Nathan Keys, Julie Gantley, Carrie Keys, Marty Keys, Billy Keys, Casey Bemben, Kathryn Collett, Craig Keys, Jaime Vest, Kim Harris, Ian Keys, Dean Keys, Mary Keys; his cousins, Nancy Shanks, Mary Nell Webb, Carolyn Ayers, Jeff Keys, Brent Keys and Larry Bales.
The family will receive friends from 3:00-7:00 PM, Friday, October 21, 2022, at Pleasant View Church of Christ, 153 Glendale Rd., Limestone, TN. The funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, October 22, 2022, also at Pleasant View Church of Christ. Following the service, there will be a horse-drawn procession to the graveside service located at Pleasant Gove UMC Cemetery, 687 Pleasant Grove Rd., Limestone. Any horse-riding friends are invited to park at Danny’s farm and follow the procession from the church to the cemetery.
The service and eulogy will be led by Tom Lilly, John Moore, and his bother Bit Keys.
Pallbearers will be sons, nephews, and grandsons. Honorary pallbearers are Shannon Fields, Donnie Fields, Jeremy Southerland, Jason Southerland, Moe Malone, Tim Randolph, Charlie Stockton, Kent Tallman, Rick Baskett, Jimmy Guinn, Clinton Williams, Robby Seymore, and Alan Spivey.
A gathering of friends to share stories after the graveside service is invited to Danny’s backyard. Please bring a lawn chair.
The family extends its appreciation to all who have visited, brought food, and prayed during this time. Please make any memorial contributions to the American Heart Association.
11/05/2022
David and Sandra Holt
So sorry to hear about your loss. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you all.
Much sorror in my heart now, but a Great Man has been taken home, he was a Great Man, friend,comunity noted Friend! RIP Danny!! Prayer and hope that god will filll the void he has left! Prayer for the Family and Friends !
Life takes us down many roads. The time a had spending with Danny Keys was always enjoyable. Had a way to make you always laugh and enjoy the time with him.
RIP Brother see you another day.
10/23/2022
Myra Jones Dill
Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your father. Prayers for comfort and strength during this time.
The Family of Tommy Ray Jones
Glenda Jones
Mark & April Jones
and Myra Jones Dill
RIP Danny thanks for the great memories you will never be forgotten you were a true Cowboy
So sorry to hear of Danny's passing. I enjoyed knowing and working with Danny at the USDA till he retired and still stayed in contact and visited with him when I would be in the Greenville
area. My prayer is that Danny's family will be surrounded with God's Love while holding onto the many memories
built with Danny. Rest in peace my friend, you deserve it.
Danny's picture is a perfect personification of Danny's personality. I remember his smiling face, his friendly manner, and his home-made sweet rolls. He was a good, sweet man. Love and prayers for his wife Christine and for his family.
Rest in peace, Danny.
10/21/2022
Jennifer/ Tim Randolph
My goodness how our lives speak for themselves. We loved Danny and appreciated his help in many areas of life especially questions we had with our horses. The more I got to know Danny the more I realized he was much more than a wonderful horseman. He was a great storyteller. He was a super cook. He was such a family man and loyal friend. He loved Jesus and it showed. However, the attribute that to me most displays his character was that Danny Keys was a true GENTLEMAN. He was a gentleman to all, men, women, children, strangers. He was thoughtful and kind almost to a fault. I don’t think I have ever known such a gentleman as Danny Keys. He will forever be missed by us and his memory will never fade in our hearts.
10/21/2022
Shirley & Alex Keys
So very sorry for your loss. God bless
Thank you for so many memories I will always cherish.. you taught me what I needed to know and when I needed to know you let me know lol no one will ever fill your shoes my dear friend.. all that knew you loved you and they knew you loved em back. I pray now for peace within for Christine who has faithfully stood by your side, the love y’all shared is rare.. I pray for your sons and grandchildren as well as all that has a whole in there heart as without you we all do.. but now you are in a place where you shall no longer suffer.. love you Danny
Danny was one of the nicest people i have ever met, he was always smiling, always a fun person to be around, i had some good times over there at his house with My brother Jamie and His wife Jamie, good memories, i am so very sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers to the family.
10/21/2022
Trish Graybeal
I was so sorry to hear the passing of Danny. He had such kind and gentle ways and was always there to help a friend in need and I was one of them. Prayers sent to Christine and the family. I know you will miss him dearly
My Father, Paul Hoilman, worked for USDA with Mr. Keys. Although I didn’t know him my Father spoke very highly of him. Just wanted to express my condolences to the family.
10/21/2022
Crystal Fitzgerald
Danny brought joy, happiness and laughter to all who met him; he will be missed by everyone. Prayers for comfort, peace, and love for family & friends.
10/20/2022
JIMMY/JOY GUINN.
DANNY WILL ALWAYS BE MISSED BY SO MANY. HIS KNOWLEDGE OF HORSES WAS BEYOND GREAT. DANNY FIT MY HORSE ROCKY FOR HIS GEAR FOR THE BUGGY TRAINING AND DID MY HORSE RUSTY"S TEETH. DANNY ALWAYS KNEW JUST WHAT NEEDED TO BE DONE.WE HAVE LOST A GREAT MAN AND FRIEND. A REAL COWBOY SAYS IT ALL. RIP DANNY YOU CAN RIDE THE TRAIL WITH PHIL AND TALK ALL ABOUT YOUR GREAT TIMES. WE WILL CATCH UP WITH YOU ON DOWN THE TRAIL.
10/20/2022
Gena Shipley Milligan
This man is a legend of his own kind. A true gentleman and a great friend. Someone that always had a smile and a special milestone to tell about his life. Rest In Peace Danny. I’m so proud and happy that I got to meet and know you. You will never be replaced. You’re like a good ole country song. The man, the legend and only a one of a kind! God speed!
