Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

During the Troup County Board of Commissioners meeting on Election Day, County Commission Chair Patrick Crews issued a proclamation celebrating the career of longtime Juvenile Court Judge Michael Key.

Judge Key has served as Troup County’s Juvenile Court Judge since 2018 but began serving as part-time juvenile court judge in 1989. Key also presides over Troup County Drug Court.

Key served in the United States Air Force from 1971 to 1975. He is a graduate of LaGrange High School and later earned a Bachelor of Science in general business from Troy State University at Montgomery and a Master of Business Administration from Auburn University at Montgomery. Key earned his Juris Doctorate from Emory University in 1978.

“Judge Key has had many years of organizational leadership, teaching and professional experience. He is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions for countless accomplishments throughout his career, including the President’s Award from the Georgia Council of Juvenile Court Judges,” Crews said.

Key said he has lived in Troup County almost his whole life except for his time in college and in the Air Force.

“When it was time to leave law school and decide where to go, I wanted to come home, and I did. I’ve never looked back,” Key said.

“I’ve enjoyed life. I’ve enjoyed it because I surround myself with really smart, talented, strong-willed people, mostly women, starting at home and in the office,” Key said.

Key said he isn’t going anywhere. He’ll continue to serve as Juvenile Court Judge until the end of the year and will help out his successor, Janelle Johnson.

Key said he will also be doing divorce mediation and will continue working with the community to help children.

“We congratulate Judge Michael R. Key upon his retirement and encourage the community to extend their best wishes to him in future endeavors,” Crews said.