Obituary: James Dewey Kelley

James Dewey Kelley of Gardendale, Alabama went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 25, 2016. He was 98. 

He is survived by his three children Lora Kelley, Janet (Jerry Loring) and Lamar Kelly (Phyllis); his grandchildren Jay Loring (Stacy); Janan (B.J. Blalock); Hunter Kelly and David Kelly; his great-grandchildren Tommy, Jason and Mary Alice Loring and Katelee Blalock; his two sisters Ila Martin and Louella Randle; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded by his beloved wife of 56 years, Mary Kelley, in 1996.

A member and deacon at Gardendale First Baptist Church for more than 50 years, Kelley worked as a carpenter with U.S. Steel for 33 years. He was born in Cullman County in 1917 and graduated from Fairview High School in 1938. He was also a Mason.

In his spare time, Kelley enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and playing guitar with friends. Over the years, Kelley traveled to 46 states and 10 European countries. 

Visitation will be Wednesday, January 27, 2016 from 6 until 8 p.m. at The New Gardendale Funeral Home. The funeral service will be Thursday, January 28, 2016 at noon in the chapel of the funeral home with burial to follow at Oakwood Memorial Gardens.