Roy T. Kelley, 90, of Salem, Alabama, went to be with his Lord on Monday, September 7, 2020 at Bethany House in Auburn, Alabama.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Philadelphia Baptist Church on Thursday, September 10, 2020 at 1:00 PM EST with Rev. Skip Speed and Rev. Clay Duck officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. A private interment will follow at Philadelphia Baptist Church Cemetery. Serving as Pall Bearers are Dana Eiland, Tim McClain, Jeff Mills, Jeffery Riley, Keith Slappey, and Ron Stamey. Serving as Honorary Pall Bearers will be the deacons from Philadelphia Baptist Church, along with Steve Stinson and Jeff Hornsby.
Mr. Kelley was born on October 8, 1929 in Dale County, AL to the late William F. Kelley and Mittie Hagler Kelley. Mr. Kelley was a machinist for over 70 years and he also owned Benning Auto Parts for over 30 years. Mr. Kelley enjoyed working in his machine shop, auto racing, and spending time on the family farm. One of his greatest accomplishments was being the Chairman of the Board of Deacons at Philadelphia Baptist Church for many years. While serving in this capacity, Mr. Kelley co-authored the “Deacon Ministry Training Manual” with his best friend, Rev. John Rigby. Using that manual, many deacons were instructed on how to best meet the needs of their beloved Philadelphia Baptist families. Above all, Mr. Kelley loved being surrounded by his family only to be surpassed by his love for God.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Kelley was preceded in death by four sisters, Erwin Strickland, Eva Robinson, Edith Martin and Emily Jordan; three brothers, Dwight Kelley, Ray Kelley and Randolph Kelley; one great grandchild, Caris Amelia Horton.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 70 years Mary Kelley of Salem, AL; one daughter Debbie Newsome and husband David of Phenix City, AL; one son, Dwayne Kelley and wife Debbi of Salem, AL; two brothers, Raymond Kelley and wife Patsy of Ozark, AL and Reynolds Kelley and wife C. J. of Thomasville, GA; four grandchildren Brittany Wall and husband Chris, Kelley Horton and husband David, Brent Newsome and Brandon Kelley and wife Tonia; seven great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Philadelphia Baptist Church, 7807 Lee Road 246, Smiths Station, AL 36877 or The Bethany House, 1171 Gatewood Drive, Auburn, AL 36830.