Robert D. Kelley, 89, of McCracken County, Kentucky died at 1:15 p.m. Saturday, December 5, 2015, at Southgate Nursing and Rehab Center. Mr. Kelley was born in McCracken County and was a graduate of Heath High School. He was a member of the McKendree United Methodist Church.
In late September, 1944, Mr. Kelley enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served most of his time in the Pacific during World War II. After being honorably discharged from the navy, Mr. Kelley later enlisted and served in the U.S. Air Corps. He loved building and built over 100 homes in and around the Paducah area.
Mr. Kelley is survived by his wife of 66 years, Eva Lois Bradley Kelley; one daughter, Cathy Kelley of Lexington, KY; one son, Gary W. Kelley; three granddaughters, Michelle Kelley-Miller, Heather Kelley, Kaitlyn Kelley; three great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis Edward Kelley and Mary Jewel Kelley; two sisters, Treva Nell Courter, Mary Elizabeth Engler; and one brother, James Edward Kelley.
Mr. Kelley was an avid hunter. He later became a conservationist and raised over 250 white fallow and Sika deer as a hobby. He regularly appeared on WPSD at Christmas time feeding “Santa’s reindeer”. Mr. Kelley never met a stranger, always had a smile and was generous to everyone.
A graveside service will be held in the Kelley Family cemetery known as Kelleys’ Bald Knob Cemetery, on Kelley road at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 9, 2015, with Rev. Bill Miller, pastor of McKendree United Methodist Church officiating. Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah is in charge of arrangements. There will be visitation for family and friends one hour prior to the service at the graveside. The cemetery is located ½ mile North on Kelley Road just after the Heath stoplight on Highway 60.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to: the Maintenance Fund of the Bald Knob Cemetery, c/o Bill Dowell, 3720 Kelley Road, Kevil, KY 42053 or to McKendree United Methodist Church, 2860 McKendree Church Road, Kevil, KY 42053 or The Humane Society Animal Shelter of Paducah, 400 Coleman Road, Paducah, KY 42001.
You may leave a message, light a candle or share a song tribute at www.milnerandorr.com.
