Carroll Joseph Keys

Carroll was born on March 26, 1923 in Stockton and passed away peacefully on January 13, 2014 in Sacramento. He is survived by his son Jim Keys, daughter-in-law Shanell, and grandchildren Kyle and Kaitlyn. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Nannette Burroni Keys, and daughters Nancy Teresa and Sally Ann. Carroll attended Stockton High School and graduated in 1942. A young patriot even then, in high school he joined a 35-member club called Cleinias, named for a distinguished warrior in ancient Greece. All 35 young men served in World War II, and all returned safely home. Carroll attended College of the Pacific and graduated from the U.S. Navy's electrical school at Chapman College in Los Angeles before serving in the Pacific Theater of World War II. After being discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1946, he began his career in the electrical wholesale hardware business in Stockton, eventually moving to San Francisco as manager of Electric Corporation. In 1968 he went to work as operations manager for Collins Electrical Company and became manager of their Sacramento Branch. He served as President of Collins Electrical from 1986 until 1991 when he retired. Collins, one of the leading electrical contractors in Northern California, was responsible for many large commercial and institutional projects including major hospitals, universities and event centers. Carroll was devoted to his work at Collins and very proud of the company's achievements. While working in San Francisco Carroll met his future wife Nannette, and they married on July 10, 1954. They made their home on Belvedere Island until Carrolls's job transferred them to Sacramento, but they kept a second home in their much-loved Belvedere. In addition to being a devoted husband, father and grandfather, Carroll was an avid sportsman. With his buddies, he made many trips throughout the world, to Australia, Alaska and points south, pursuing fish and game for as long as possible. At the age of 88 he could boast of landing a 700lb. tuna near Prince Edwards Island off the coast of Canada. In addition to fishing and hunting, Carroll was an enthusiastic golfer and long-time member of the Del Paso Country Club in Sacramento. He was also known to enjoy his trips to Las Vegas with family and friends, of whom he had many. Friends and family were invited to attend the visitation at W.F. Gormley & Sons, 2015 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento on Friday, January 24, 2014 between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, January 25 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Ignatius Church, 3235 Arden Way in Sacramento. The family requests that all donations be sent to the National Association of American Veterans, P. O. Box 6865, Washington, D.C. 20020-0565. Carroll was a wonderful guy who loved people and was interested in everything. He will be greatly missed by those he leaves behind.