John William “Buddy” Kelly, age 90, of New Hope, AL, passed from this life April 17, 2021.
Mr. Kelly was a lifelong resident of Madison County. He grew up in the Cave Springs area of Owens Cross Roads with his 11 siblings, and later moved to New Hope, where he resided for 72 years. He worshipped at Cedar Point, New Hope, and Owens Cross Roads churches of Christ, where he led singing for 50 years. Mr. Kelly loved sports and keeping up with current events. His favorite sports teams were the Alabama Crimson Tide, the Boston Red Sox, and the Boston Celtics. Many will remember his sense of humor, attention to organization, and most of all, his love of singing.
He is survived by his wife of 72+ years, Dorothy Woody Kelly; two children, Steve (Irene) Kelly of Scottsboro, AL and Alicia (Allen) Brooks of Killen, AL; two grandchildren, Allie and John Allen Brooks; numerous nieces and nephews, a large church family, and a host of friends.
Mr. Kelly was preceded in death by his parents, John William Wesley Kelly and Carrie Lou Branum Kelly; his son, Robert Gary Kelly; three brothers, Fred Kelly, Harold Kelly and Frank Kelly; and eight sisters, Maude Kelly Glover, Pauline Kelly Chandler, Gladys Kelly Holloway, Elise Kelly Hayes, Mildred Kelly Maples, Johnnie Kelly Byrom, Lorene “Tot” Kelly Bryom, and Roberta “Tookie” Kelly Smith.
Visitation will be Tuesday, April 20, at 1:00 p.m. at New Hope Funeral Home. The funeral will follow at 3:00 p.m. with ministers, Harold Kelly and Paddy Flanagan officiating. Burial will be at Bethel Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Allen Brooks, John Allen Brooks, Barry Jones, Ronald Schrimsher, Chad Smith, and Charles Vaughn. The family requests masks for those attending.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Rachel Kruspe, Dr. James McMurray, and Dr. Alan Baggett for excellent medical care, and to Mr. Charles Vaughn for being such a good neighbor and friend.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Mr. Kelly’s memory to Owens Cross Roads Church of Christ/Partners 4 Africa, P.O. Box 217, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763.
