Rutherford Key, Jr.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama on October 1, 1945

Departed on May 2, 2018 and resided in Nashville, TN

Rutherford Lyle Key, Jr., 72, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2018. He was born in Birmingham, AL to the late Rutherford and Mary Alice Key. He graduated from The University of Tennessee and The University of Alabama School of Law. Lyle served as an officer in the United States Navy. He spent his entire career with CSX transportation, combining his passion for trains with his knowledge and expertise in transportation and the law. Lyle was a kind man who was loved by many and known for his love of trains and Big Orange Football. He served as President of the National Alumni Association for The University of Tennessee and also was a well known railroad historian and published two books, Midwest Florida Sunliners and Birmingham Rails.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carolyn; brother, Tom (Beverly) daughter, Alise Ferranti (Joe); son, Carson (Katie); Granddaughters, Lauren, Darden, Ellie, Maggie, and Annie and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive visitors from 4-6 on Thursday, May 3 at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home, 9090 Highway 100, Nashville TN 37221. A funeral Mass will be held Friday May 4 at 10 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 330 5th Ave N. Nashville TN 37219. There will be a graveside service at 2 PM Saturday May 5 at Elmwood Cemetery, 600 Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Birmingham AL 35211.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to church or charity of choice.

Arrangements made by Harpeth Hills Funeral Home.