Top News
Key remembered as educator, friend
BWOODBY@CULLMANTIMES.COM
To hundreds of children, Marvin Key was an inspiration and a mentor, spending 56 years in Cullman County Schools as a coach, teacher and principal.
To others, Key was a friend and an inspiration.
“Mr. Key was one of the most well-loved people I’ve ever known,” friend and co-worker Mary Jane Leverett said. “He was not only my co-worker but one of my best friends. He taught me many life lessons that I will never forget.”
Key was born in Arley on Dec. 9, 1922 to McKinley and Pearlie Fuller Key. After graduating from Meek High School, he spent three years fighting in World War II.
Upon returning home, Key began school at the University of Alabama where he earned his master’s degree in education.
“He was very devoted to his job and the boys and girls he taught,” former county schools superintendent Felton Easterwood said. “He was excellent and an excellent educator. All enjoyed being around Marvin (Key).”
Key took his first job as a coach and teacher at Meek High School. Even though he retired from education in 1991, Leverett said Key never truly left his job.
“He was my boss in 1976 and I worked with him up until (this) Christmas,” she said. “He retired in 1991, but never really quit coming into work. Education and helping kids and teachers, aside from his family, that was his life.”
Leverett said Key was also known for reaching out to those in need in the community.
“He was private; he didn’t want in the limelight,” she said. “What he did, he did to help, not for recognition.”
Still, those in the community took notice of Key’s service and he was named Alumni of the Year at Meek High School, and this year he was awarded The Cullman Times Unsung Hero Award.
Key was chosen as an Unsung Hero for his willingness to get textbooks, desks and materials for students so they could continue to learn. He also established the “Media Mobile” which travels to every school in the county so teachers can get the materials they need.
In his spare time, Key was a photographer.
“At awards ceremonies, if a teacher was being recognized, he was always taking pictures,” Leverett said. “But he didn’t want his picture taken. He was a unique man, and probably the best man I’ve ever known.”
“My relationship with him was nothing but excellent,” Easterwood said. “He was a good fellow.”
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Cullman County, 402 Fourth Ave. S.E., Cullman, AL 35055 or The American Diabetes Association, 200 Office Park Drive, Suite 303, Birmingham, AL 35233.
- Top News
-
-
Relay for Life fundraiser Saturday
Lowe’s Relay for Life team with the help of Maurices will host Fashion for a Cure Saturday, March 20 at 5 p.m. at Cullman’s First United Methodist Church.
-
ER entrance to change Monday
Changes are coming to Cullman Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Room.
-
Brick by brick
The sky’s not falling at Wallace State, but bricks could be if some needed repairs are not made soon.
-
Former teacher’s trial continued
A former Cold Springs teacher accused of extortion, attempting to produce obscene matter of a child and solicitation of pornography will not get his day in court this month.
-
West Point council members travel to Washington, request funds for new municipal complex
Two members of the West Point town council recently visited with Rep. Robert Aderholt in Washington, DC, to ask for money for a new municipal complex for West Point.
-
Cullman Yutaka to expand
A new expansion at Alabama Cullman Yutaka Technologies (ACYT) is expected to create up to 45 new jobs this year.
-
Restrooms to be added at walking trails
The town of Vinemont is hoping to soon begin building bathrooms at the South Vinemont Walking Trails.
-
Giving it a shot
Only a few months into the sport, 14-year-old Jaci Speegle said she has already learned the most important rule of archery: Pay attention.
-
A girl and her friend
For most of her life, Yancey York has had a constant companion who walked by her side practically every step she took.
-
Relay for Life fashion show
Lowe’s of Cullman Relay For Life Team will sponsor a fashion show at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 20.
- More Top News Headlines
-
Relay for Life fundraiser Saturday
