Steve W. Keyes Sr., 70, of Hayesville died Friday, June 10, 2016 in a Hiawassee, Georgia hospital. He was a native of St. Petersburg, Florida, but had been living in Clay County for the past 36 years. Steve retired from the Clay County Sheriff’s office after 17 years as a corrections officer. He was a member of the Fires Creek Baptist Church.

He was the son of the late Edward Francis and Amy Lou Danielson Keyes. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Betty Lou Keyes.

Surviving are his wife of 51 years, Sherry Downing Keyes; a daughter, Dawn Hughes and husband, Shane of Hayesville; two sons, Steve W. Keyes Jr. and wife, Tammy and Billy Keyes and wife, Karen, all of Hiawassee, Georgia; eight grandchildren, Hali, Austin, Tyler, Hannah, and Evan Keyes, and Michelle, Ashley, and Megan Hughes; and eight great grandchildren.

A memorial service was held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, June 13, 2016 in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville with Rev. Buddy Pittman officiating.

The family received friends from 12:00-12:50 p.m. Monday at the Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the American Cancer Society, 120 Executive Park, Bldg. 1, Asheville, NC 28801.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of all arrangements.