Gilbert Madison Key

Gilbert Madison Key was born March 18, 1938, in Robbins, North Carolina, where he proudly lived all his life. He was a graduate of Elise High School, where he met Elizabeth Saunders. They were married in 1960 and celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this year. Together, they were blessed with three children; Robin, Scott, and Mitchell. 

He was a member of Acorn Ridge Baptist Church, where he once served as both a deacon and Sunday School Superintendent. 

Gilbert was trained at N.C. State Truck Driving School and loved driving a truck, working for Robbins Mill Ameritron, Klopman Mills, and Westinghouse for a combined total of 26 years. In 1976, he and his wife Elizabeth took a leap of faith and opened the doors to Key Packing Company, which remains family owned and operated, serving Robbins and communities across North Carolina. 

Gilbert enjoyed making homemade ice cream with a hit and miss engine, a familiar sight at Tractor and Engine shows and local festivals. He raised hogs for Purvis Farms and also enjoyed raising cows on the family farm. One of his favorite hobbies was collecting tractors, farm memorabilia, and antiques, and he was often found in his workshop at night, tinkering. 

Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents; James M. and Emma Key, sister Polly Daly, and brothers Mike Key and Garland Key. He leaves behind his loving wife, Elizabeth Saunders Key; daughter Robin Key Rexroad and Jerry; sons Scott Key and Rhonda, and Mitchell Key and Cindy; eight grandchildren: Andrea, Jay (Taylor), Isaac (Brooke), Caroline, Lauren, Kelsey (Will), Nathan (Emily), and Natalie (Jacob); and eight great-grandchildren: Dray, Addison, Bryce, Dallas, Sawyer, Waylon, Lacy, and Dax, along with many other extended family members. 

The family would like to thank Acorn Ridge Baptist Church, as well as family, neighbors, and friends for their prayers, love, and support. 

Funeral service will be 2 PM, Saturday, April 11. 2026 at Acorn Ridge Baptist Church with Dr John Williamson, Reverend Edwin Moore, Reverend Barry Miller officiating.  Burial will follow in the church Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1 PM.

Lamentations 3:21-26 

This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.