Raymond Kelley

Raymond Kelley, a lifelong resident of Dale County, passed away Monday, November 16, 2020 following a long-fought battle with cancer.

Funeral services in honor of Raymond will be on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at 3 pm at Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home. Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service.

Raymond was born on August 2, 1940 in Skipperville, AL to the late William F. Kelley and Mittie Hagler Kelley. His life was characterized by his devotion to family and God, his love for the outdoors, and his incredible work ethic. Throughout his life, Raymond mentored many young men in his roles as Royal Ambassadors Leader, Assistant Sunday School Director, Deacon, and baseball coach. He was a layman engineer, shade tree mechanic, armchair quarterback, living room musician and a true sage of southernisms. He was a dedicated employee, having served as a Sears technician for over 30 years. Although, he was perhaps best known in his community for his garage door installation services during his retirement.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mittie Kelley; four sisters, Erwin Strickland, Eva Robinson, Edith Martin, and Emily Jordon; four brothers, Dwight Kelley, Ray Kelley, Randolph Kelley, and Roy Kelley; and one granddaughter, Amelia Kelley.

Surviving family includes his wife of 57 years, Patsy Kelley of Ozark; two daughters, Belenda Gordon of Montgomery and Tammy (Joey) Maes of Skipperville; two sons, Jeremy Kelley of Ozark and Justin Kelley (Haley) of Panama City, FL; twelve grandchildren, Kelley (Kristie) Hutto of Alamogordo, NM currently serving with the USAF in Saudi Arabia; Taft Gordon of Birmingham; Taylor Gilpin (Daniel) of Mobile; Katelyn (Brandon) Rhode of Biloxi, MS; Drew Kelley, Jackson Kelley, and Madison Kelley of Ozark; Cody Kelley of Ozark; Hampton and Emma Claire Kelley of Panama City, FL; Jackson Martinez of Panama City, FL; two great-grandchildren, Aubrey-Kate Rhode of Biloxi, MS and Seth Scheurer of Alamogordo, NM; and one brother, Reynolds (CJ) Kelley.

Pallbearers will be Mr. Kelley’s grandsons, Christopher Woodham, Daniel Gilpin, Drew Kelley, Jackson Kelley, Cody Kelley, and family friend Tony Burg. Honorary pallbearers are Kelley Hutto and Taft Gordon.

Burial Date November 18, 2020 Funeral services in honor of Raymond will be on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at 3 pm at Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home. Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service.