Obituary of William Milner Kelly

William Milner Kelly, Jr. (Bill), age 84, was born June 11, 1927 at Plantersville, Alabama to the late William Milner Kelly and Evelyn Lacy Kelly. Preceded in death by wife, Jean Welch Kelly, he is survived by two children, Mary Kelly and Charles Kelly (Wendy), nieces, nephews, and cousins. He attended public schools in Birmingham, Alabama through the first year of high school and graduated from Marion Military Institute in Marion, Alabama. Mr. Kelly was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology by the University of Alabama in 1950 and a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture by Auburn University in 1957. He was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. Mr. Kelly retired as a Commander from the US Navy in 1976. He served 30 years on active duty. During this time he served during World War II, The Korean War and Vietnam. He served as a commanding officer six of his last 20 years at three different commands. He was a Designated Surface Warfare Officer and Oceanography sub-specialist. Mr. Kelly was awarded Navy Unit Commendation, Naval Reserve Medal, Bronze Star with Combat V, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, American Theater, WWII Victory Medal, National Defense, Expert Pistol, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Unit Citation, and Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation during his naval career. After retirement he returned to his cattle ranch in Talladega County. He served Talladega County from 1977 until 1982 as Administrative Assistant to the Probate Judge and as Director of the Talladega County ABC Board. A man of faith, a gentleman, good friend, and community leader, Mr. Kelly was a deacon at First Baptist Church of Talladega, a Gideon, served as Past President of the Talladega County Cattlemen’s Association and Talladega County Exchange. He served on the Board of Directors of North Talladega County United Way and Citizens Hospital Foundation. He was a member of the Talladega Kiwanis Club, American Legion and VFW. He served on the Board of Directors for the Talladega County Farmers Federation and on the Talladega County Resources and Development Committee Advisory Council. He was involved in the USS Talladega Reunion and Talladega County Hall of Heroes. He was an active part of the beginning of the Berney Station Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed farming, antique tractors, Alabama football, and provided a loving home for many abandoned dogs over the years. Bill Kelly served God, his family, his community and his country with great devotion and dedication. To honor and remember him, a memorial service will be held Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at 3:00 p.m., at First Baptist Church of Talladega. The family will receive friends from 1:30pm to 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Talladega. The family would like to express their gratitude to the loving souls at Spring Terrace in Sylacauga. The family is also grateful to his compassionate caregivers, Carol Helm, Amanda McLain, Susie Burnette, Misty Thrash, Helen Isbell, and the ladies of Coosa Valley Hospice, Miranda, Belva and Kesha. Thank you all for sharing yourselves, your love, and providing us with the gift of comfort in our final days with him.