Raymond Caldwell Kelley, 83, beloved uncle, brother-in-law and friend, passed away peacefully at home in Ashland, Ky., on May 22.
Mr. Kelley was born in Balkan, Ky., on April 21, 1923. He graduated from Black Star High School in Harlan County and was a graduate of Lincoln Memorial University and attended the University of Kentucky. He served in the Army as a radar specialist during World War II in China and Central Burma. He received the American Theater Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal and World War II Victory Medal.
He retired as a chemist/scientist from Hercules Powder Co. and he later managed the Holiday Inn in South Point, Ohio, where he befriended many visitors and employees.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Mitchell Kelley and Bertha Ramsey Kelley; his sister-in-law, Ruie Kelley; his brothers-in-law, Luther Reed and Lloyd Franks; and his nephews, Darrell Franks and Bryan Franks.
He was also preceded in death by two sisters and two brothers who provided him with 18 loving nieces and nephews: sisters Beatrice Kelley Reed, mother of Mitchell, Linda, Sandra and Thresia, Hazel Kelley Franks, mother of Robert, Betty, Patricia, Harold, Jimmy, Ray, Cuba and Joel, and brothers James M. Kelley, father of Michael and Jennifer, and Harold E. Kelley, father of Carol, Joan and Elizabeth.
Mr. Kelley is survived by his sister-in-law, Wilma Kelley of Harlan, Ky.; several great-nieces and nephews; friends Stanford and Bobbie Gross of Christiansburg, Va., and their daughters, Kathy, Robin, Traci and Natalie, friends Betty and Bill Lovin of Ashland; and other cherished friends.
His great-niece, Linda Bolt, brought endless happiness to his life.
Appreciation is extended to his niece, Thresia Bolt, and nephew, Robert Franks, who unselfishly managed his care. Mr. Kelley exemplified the meaning of a lifelong learner, reading hundreds of books and mastering state-of-the-art technology.
Visitors usually found him in his den simultaneously reading a book, watching C-Span, listening to classical music and keeping an eye on his computer messages. He leaves to his family and friends a legacy of caring for the less fortunate and accepting the richness of all cultures.
Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. June 3 at Ashland Cemetery, with the eulogy given by his nieces, nephews and friends. Military services will be provided by Kenova American Legion Post 93.
Friends may make contributions to the Boyd County Public Library, 1740 Central Ave., Ashland, KY 41101 or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Kentuckiana Clinic, 120 Wall St., New York, NY 10005.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at steenfuneralhomes.com.
Steen Funeral Home in Ashland is in charge of arrangements.
