Don Kelley
Don Lee Kelley, 76, of LaFayette, died on Friday, May 7, 2021, after a long illness.
He was preceded in death by his father, Herbert Fain Kelley, and mother, Ruby Lee Leming Kelley, both of Rome, GA, his first wife, Peggy Cook Kelley, his brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Mary Jane Kelley of Fairdale, KY and his brother, Jimmy Kelley of Rome and nephews Herbie Kelley and Terry Cook of Rome.
He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Beth Bruce Kelley, two sons, Todd (Allison) Kelley of Rome and Chad (Karen) Kelley of Charlotte, NC, three grandchildren, Parker Kelley of Rome and Georgia and Margaret Kelley of Charlotte, sister-in-laws Betty Kelley of Rome and Lynn Hartness of Cape Cod, MA, Brother-in-law Ken Cook, nephews Bryan and Michael Kelley, niece Cathy Money all of Rome and several grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
Don attended East Rome High School in Rome, served in the Navy for four years and was a 1970 graduate of Berry College where he earned a degree in General Business. Don was an entrepreneur and ran wholesale florist and real estate business in the 1970s. He married Beth in 1982 and moved from Rome to LaFayette to take over her family’s chicken and cattle farm. Don became active in the local cattlemen’s association and served as secretary/treasurer of the Tri-State Cattlemen’s Association for several years and then was its president for two years. In 2002, he and his wife were awarded the Outstanding Farm Family of the Year by the Walker County Farm Bureau.
In 2002, Don purchased his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and enjoyed many rides such as the Trail of Tears to Oklahoma and the Harley 100th anniversary in Milwaukee. He had a serious motorcycle accident in 2007, however, that almost took his life and left him plagued by his injuries for the rest of his life. Don did not give up, though, and met his fate with grit and determination. He was generous and kind-hearted and loved to make people laugh. He was loved by his family and friends and all who met him.
The family wants to thank his hospice nurses, Rachel, Tori, and Brendi for their kind and compassionate care
Funeral services will be held in the Wilbanks Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, May 12, at 11 a.m. with Chaplain Ricky Studdard officiating.
Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until hour of service.
Interment will be held at a later date.
Because Don was in the flower business, fresh flowers are acceptable or donations may be made in his memory to Berry College, Tapestry Hospice or the American Lung Association.
Arrangements are by Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.