Harry Leiland Key, Sr.

Harry Leiland Key, Sr., 79, of Salem, Alabama, passed away peacefully at home on April 26, 2026. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Harry was born on January 3, 1947, at Ft. Benning, Georgia, to the late Harry Elbert Key and Lorene Sherrer Key. After graduating from high school, he attended Georgia Tech and went on to serve a distinguished career in law enforcement until his retirement. During his career, he rose to the position of Police Chief of the Panama City Airport Police Department, where he served with dedication and pride.

Harry had a natural talent for mechanics and enjoyed working on cars and boats. In his free time, he loved fishing and gardening. He also cherished traveling, especially his trips to Panama City, which brought him great joy.

In 1982, Harry married the love of his life, Wanda Hayes Key. Together, they shared many wonderful years filled with dancing, traveling, and a deep love for animals. Their bond remained strong and devoted throughout his life.

Harry was known for his kind, outgoing, and warm personality. He loved his family deeply and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Sherri Wanda Key.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Wanda Hayes Key; his son, Harry Key, Jr. (Becky); his daughter, Kristi Parker (Chris); his sister, Vickie Watson; his nephew, Joel Mathis; his niece, Sherri Varnadore; his grandchildren, Lauren Hyatt (Christian), Derek Key (Abby), Kayla Parker, and Christopher Parker; and his five great-grandchildren, Lily, Benjamin, Sonora, James, and Curtis.