COLUMBUS - Longtime Columbus State University Athletics advocate Billy Key passed away on Tuesday. Key, a founding member of the CSU Athletic Fund, was 89. 

A lifelong golfer, Key was instrumental in bringing a first-class collegiate golf facility to Columbus State in November 2015. For his unwavering support and vision, the facility was named in his honor.  

"We are greatly saddened by the passing of Mr. Key," commented Todd Reeser, Columbus State Director of Athletics. "His tremendous impact on Columbus State University and the athletics program will forever be felt and appreciated. In addition, the beautiful Key Golf Studio is a lasting reminder of his love of the game of golf, and his investment in Cougar student-athletes."

Key consistently expressed his support and passion for Cougar Athletics over the decades, enriching the lives of a countless number of student-athletes. Key's love and appreciation of his hometown university have been influential in Columbus State's rise to national prominence. 

One of the most decorated golfers to come out of the Chattahoochee Valley, Key won numerous championships throughout his life. He won three straight Georgia State Junior Championships (1946-48) while taking the Southern Interscholastic Championship crown in 1947 and 1948. He also won the Florida Intercollegiate Championship in 1951, the Western Amateur in 1958, the Southeastern Amateur in 1962 and the Georgia Amateur in 1968. Key dominated the senior tour winning the American Seniors Best-Ball Championship five times and captured the Society of Seniors Individual Stroke Play Championship in 1989 and 1990. In 1990, Golf Digest ranked him as the second senior golfer in the U.S. Also, Key served four years in the United States Navy; two years active duty and two years in the Naval Reserve Unit in Columbus. 

"I count myself highly favored to have known Mr. Key," added Mark Immelman, Director of Golf at CSU. "He was a gem of a human being - kind, caring, thoughtful and tremendously generous - he did so much for Columbus State Golf and I will be forever in debt to him. I, and everyone who has ever been associated with our program, will miss you dearly Mr. Key. Thank you for everything... and relish  those heavenly fairways."

Key is a member of the Columbus State Athletic Hall of Fame after being inducted in 2001. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2101 Wildwood Avenue, Columbus, GA, 31906, or to a favorite charity of your choice.