SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Billy W. Carden, a lifelong Sylacauga resident and longtime owner-operator of Carden’s Lock & Key, died peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 14. He was 86.
Carden was born Sept. 3, 1939, in Sylacauga. He operated Carden’s Lock & Key for 56 years, served a term on the Sylacauga City Council, and worked for more than 27 years at American Color Graphics.
He also served in the U.S. Army in Korea from 1961 to 1964, reaching the rank of SP5 (T) E-5.
Carden is survived by his wife of 38 years, Mona Carden; a son, Rodney Carden (Anna); a daughter, Crystal Carden; and a stepdaughter, Timeka Baker. He is also survived by four dogs — Izzy, Lexie, Nick and Roadie — that his family said he loved dearly.
He was a faithful member of Browns Chapel Baptist Church.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, Feb. 19 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Radney-Smith Funeral Home in Sylacauga. The funeral service will be held Friday, Feb. 20 at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel, with the Rev. Jeff Harris officiating. Burial will follow at Harpersville City Cemetery.
