Born on December 29, 1929, Ben Kelly, Jr. was the sixth of fifteen children born to the late Ben Kelly, Sr. and Lela Peavy Kelly. He was affectionately called "Junior" by his family. He lived his entire life in Madison County (Alabama). Deacon Kelly was a proud employee of Giles & Kendall for forty-nine years and seven months. He had a fruitful life before he entered into eternal rest on Sunday morning, March 2, 2008, at his home in the Ryland community.
A love for education made him determined to ensure that his children achieved success in school. Although he completed only nine grades of his formal education, his thirst for learning and determination to wear his own high school ring motivated him to study and receive his GED around the age of fifty- eight.
A server of God, Deacon Kelly accepted the Lord as his savior, was baptized in September of 1955, and joined the Little Flock Primitive Baptist Church. In 1957, he was ordained as a Deacon. He took the office of "Deacon" seriously and truly believed Deacons were appointed to help with the ministerial and administrative duties of the church. Though not always popular or admired for his stance, he never wavered. One of his favorite sayings was "I'm going to stand for what is right, if I have to stand by myself."
A love for his church led Deacon Kelly to serve as the President of the Senior Choir, President of the Male Chorus, Superintendent of the Sunday School and teacher of the Adult Class.
His Passion and love for the Flint River Running Water Primitive Baptist Association kept him busy as the Clerk for thirty-seven years. He also served as President of the Laymen's Department. He was a strong supporter and fought hard for financial support in building the Memorial Tabernacle. His craftsman skills allowed him the opportunity to build the speaker and flower stands in the present facility.
Deacon Kelly's love was demonstrated for the National Primitive Baptist Convention, dedicating 37 years of service to the Laymen's Council, President; Assistant Recording Secreteary/Recording Secretary, and Vice President,Account & Claims Committee of the General Convention.
Deacon Kelly's reputation has been that of a dynamic leader throughout the community. He was always alert to opportunities to help others. From the early years of his children's schooling, he served as President of the PTA and constantly supported the community. He worked tirelessly in his vegetable garden not only for the benifit of his family but for the community to enjoy as well. His Silver Queen Corn was of great demand.
He strongly believed in family devotion. "Lead by example" was a part of his philosophy. As a young man, he often spearheaded family reunions for the Kelly-Peavy Families.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben & Lela Kelly; brothers, Lourice, Jimmy,Andrew and Wyommie Kelly; and sisters, Hazel Strong, Annie Mae Williams and Pauline Underwood.
He is held in loving memory by his devoted wife of 60 years, Eddie Mae Dean Kelly; two daughters, Paulette Tatum and Betty Kelly Austin; and his son , Joel (Edith) Kelly;grandchildren, Gerald, Marlon, Nathan, Delree, Marlene, and Valerie;three brothers, Walter (Marie), Johnny and Kenneth Kelly;two sisters, Eliza Stone and Juanita(Bruce)Bone; godson, Lonnie Cawthorn; four great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Deacon Kelly will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, March 7, 2008 from the Consolidated Flint River Running Water Memorial Tabernacle, Highway 72E, with Reverend Charlie Humphrey, Jr. officiating. Interment will be in Crowson Cemetery. The Kelly family will receive friends from the Little Flock Primitive Baptist Church, Brock Road, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2008. The remains of Deacon Kelly will be in the church one hour prior to funeral time.