William Kelly

William J. Kelly, 76, of Brinson, GA, passed away Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at his residence.The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 25, 2016 at Ivey Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jimmy Walden and Rev. Ron "Bubba" Black officiating. Interment will follow at Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery with Steven Smith and William's grandchildren serving as active pallbearers.The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 24, 2016 at Ivey Funeral Home. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.iveyfuneral.com.Memorial donations may be made to The Gideons International, P. O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214 or the charity of your choice.Mr. Kelly was born August 26, 1939 in Decatur County, GA, the son of Gordon William Kelley and Lucille Croley Kelley. He was a graduate of West Bainbridge High School Class of 1959 and a member of Fellowship Baptist Church. He served as a supervisor at ITT Plastics for many years. A farmer at heart, William loved to watch things grow especially flowers. His yard is known for being in full bloom this time of year. He loved to fish and could often be found sitting on the creek with the love of his life, Frances. William met challenges head on and never believed he was too old to start something new. In fact, he started turkey hunting at age 70. He loved baseball and spent many evenings cheering on his grandchildren and their teammates. His kind, gentle spirit made strangers become lifelong friends that were treated like family. William believed his greatest gift was his family.Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Frances Kelly; his children, Mike Kelly and his wife, Luann, of Quitman, GA, Teresa Kelly McMillan of Bainbridge, Tom Kelly and Maria of Lafayette, AL, and Robin Kelly Black and her husband, Bubba, of Bainbridge; his sister, Betty Justice of Bainbridge; his grandchildren, Douglas & Kayla McMillan, Ashley McMillan, Wayne & Jordan Black, Todd & Connie Kelly, Chad & Joanna Kelly, Shelby Kelly, and Stacy McDonald; his great-grandchildren, Hunter McMillan, Nate Kelly, Kaylin Kelly, Beau Kelly, and Will Kelly; his step-mother, Ruby Kelley of Bainbridge as well as numerous nieces and nephews. William was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Aaron Kelly, and his siblings, Christine Lynn and Dempsey Kelley.