In the pale dawn of January 5, 2013, Aubrey Richard Kelley, Sr. passed from this life. At his bedside was his wife of 65 years, Genny.

Born on April 12, 1927 in Lauderdale County, Alabama, he was the son of James Ottis and Dora Cobb Kelley. From the age of 5 years old, his second mother was Irene Cobb Kelley. He was a graduate of Central High School and received an associates degree in Business from Florence State College (UNA). Aubrey served in the US Navy during WWII. He sailed in the South Pacific on the USS Winoosky and was stationed in the Phillipines with the occupation forces.

After returning to his beloved Alabama, he worked with TVA and helped build many enduring structures including the Space Center and the Natchez Trace Parkway. Aubrey was a member of IBEW local 558 and the American Legion. He worked for Reynolds Metals Company for 27 years as an overhead crane operator. He married his childhood love, Genny Palmer in 1947 and together they raised four children in a strong Christian Home. He was a long time member of New Hope Church of Christ were he taught Sunday school and helped guide the congregation as a strong Christian man. Not an eloquent man, he taught by example. In his quiet way, he left a legacy of love.

He was preceded in death by his parents James Ottis and Dora Kelley and Irene Kelley; sister Christine Sutherland; brother Walden Kelley and twin infant brothers.

He is survived by his wife, Genny Palmer Kelley; son Richard Kelley, Jr. (Jerrilynn Snell); daughters Nancy Kelley Clark, Donna Kelley Gillen (Craig), and Jane Kelley Tallman (Paul D.); siblings, Kenneth Kelley (Elaine),Lorene Lovelace, Shirley Williams (Alfred), and Becky Jefferys (Larry); his grandchildren left to miss his teasing smile are A. Richard Kelley, III (Ashley), Amy Kelley Dean (Garrick), Andrea Kelley Dewhurst (Paul), C. Troy Clark (Nicole), Stephen Eric Gillen, Kelley Jaquelyn Gillen, and Mary Elizabeth Tallman; he delighted in watching his great grandchildren William and Rose Dean and Lydia Kelley play around his feet. And just a few short weeks before his death he welcomed baby Dane Kelley into the world.

Visitation will be Saturday, January 12, 2013, from 1-2 PM at New Hope Church of Christ. Full military honors and Christian services will be held at 2 PM.

Pallbearers will be Richard Kelley, III, Paul D. Tallman, Garrick Dean, Troy Clark, Kenneth Kelley, and Craig Gillen.