Billy Joe (B.J.) Kelley, beloved husband, father, grandfather (Papa), brother, mentor and friend, departed this life for his heavenly home on March 28, 2015. In his final days, he was in his home surrounded by his family who loved him so dearly. Visitation will be on Monday, March 30, 2015, from 6-9 p.m. at Highland Baptist Church Worship Center, Florence, Alabama. His homegoing service will also be at Highland Baptist Church on Tuesday, March 31, 2015, at 11 a.m. Officiating the service will be Dr. John Brock and Dr. Sammy Gilbreath. The graveside service will follow in the Florence City Cemetery.
B.J. was born in Henderson, Texas, to Evie and Albert Lee Kelley on Jan. 20, 1934. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, Wanda Jean Kelley, Betty Lou Moore and Eunice Ruth Pennington, and one brother, James Albert Kelley. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Carolyn Young Kelley; three children, Kim Kelley Nelson (Mark), Kristin Kelley Murphy (Tom), and Charles Joseph “Chuck” Kelley (Kelly); seven grandchildren, Thomas Andrew Murphy, Jr.,Laurie Nelson Fowler (Dallas), Alexander Gray Kelley (Genevieve), Sarah Van Kelley, William Kelley Murphy (Laura Cameron), Caroline Alexandra Nelson, and Charles Joseph Kelley Jr.; three great-grandchildren, Spencer Joseph Fowler, Madeline Lee Kelley, and BrittianThomas Murphy; and 19 special nieces and nephews. He is also survived by two brothers, William N. Kelley and Lloyd W. Kelley; and one sister, Nelda Joy Pena.
Billy Joe graduated from Galena Park High School in Houston, Texas. He attended Baylor University and graduated in 1959 with a B.S. degree in physical education. While attending Baylor, B.J. was a three-year letterman for the Baylor Bears football team. His athletic accomplishments include being named to the All Southwest Conference Squad in 1958, playing in the 1957 Sugar Bowl against Tennessee, being chosen by his teammates as permanent team captain for the 1958- 1959 season, and being selected to play in the North South Shrine game in Miami in 1958. In 1957, when Billy Joe became a first-time dad, he was affectionately named “Papa Bear” by his teammates and friends. This fitting nickname followed him throughout his life.
After graduation from Baylor, B.J. began a successful 42 year career with State Farm Insurance Company in both agency and management in Huntsville, Russellville, and later Tuscumbia. During his career with State Farm, he received a Life Institute of Marketing certification from Purdue University, and numerous company awards for outstanding performance. B.J. was an active member of Highland Baptist Church where he loved serving his Lord and Savior. He was a greeter and a deacon, and in his later years became deacon emeritus. Prior to retiring in Florence, he served as chairman of deacons at Russellville First Baptist Church, where he was instrumental in the construction of the Church Chapel. B.J. was also a member of the Florence Rotary Club.
Among B.J.’s hobbies were golf, woodworking and creating beautiful outdoor projects. However, his favorite pastime was spending time surrounded by his family, most particularly his precious grandchildren.
Pallbearers include Jimmy Carringer, Mark Nelson, Tom Murphy, Lanny Norris, Phil Wiginton, Larry Osborne, William King, Joe Brewer, and Ralph Holt. Honorary Pallbearers are Dr. Lyman Mitchell, Dr. Therese Lango, Cedar Park men’s coffee group, Good Ol’Boys lunch group, and The Lester Wooten/Steve Whitmon Sunday School Class.
The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Lyman Mitchell, Dr. Therese Lango, Dr. S. Ahmed, Gentiva Hospice, longtime family friend Laura Flowers, and wonderful caregivers Pam Barnett and Anna Smith. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Highland Baptist Church Building Fund, Gentiva Hospice or Alabama Baptist Children’s Home.
Steve Chenault and Elkins Funeral Home are assisting the family.
