Robert M. 'Bob' Kelley

Mr. Robert McCrory 'Bob' Kelley, a longtime resident of Conyers, GA, died on Saturday, May 21, 2016, at the age of 86. Mr. Kelley is survived by his four children: Joel C. Kelley (Leann) of Asheville, NC; Robert M. Kelley, Jr. (Theresa) of McDonough, GA; William L. Kelley of Bremen, GA and Cynthia K. Truett (Charles) of Dacula, GA; and ten grandchildren: Erin K. Kelley, Jennifer Kelley Sadler (Jake), Clarissa Kelley Gillespie (Ryan), the children of Joel C. and Leann C. Kelley; Patrick Kelley, son of Robert M. and Theresa Kelley, Jr; Ryan Kelley (Mandy) and Rochelle Kelley Moore (Eric), the children of Robert M. and Shirley Kelley; Danielle Kelley and Celina Kelley, the children of William Lee and Pamela Kelley; and Kelli Truett Spinks (Justin) and Kati Truett Nesbitt (Patrick), children of Charles E. and Cynthia K. Truett. Mr. Kelley was preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Faye P. Kelley. In addition, Mr. Kelley was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin K. Kelley as well as siblings, Benjamin W. Kelley, H. A. Kelley, J. Daniel Kelley, Howard B. Kelley, Jennie Lee Kelley, William B. Kelley and Mary Irene Kelley. Mr. Kelley was born on December 23, 1929 in Scottsboro, AL, to the late Benjamin and Myrtle Kelley. He attended high school in Florence, AL, graduating from Coffee High School where he excelled as a student and athlete. He attended college at Snead College in Boaz, AL, where he met his future bride, Faye P. Kelley as well as numerous lifelong friends. After serving honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, he later continued his studies and graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Education in Educational Administration. He received a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Georgia. By that time, he and Faye had married and started a family. After leaving Tuscaloosa, he began a long and successful career as a teacher and administrator. Over the next several years, the couple welcomed two more children into their home. All of their children were privileged to live in a loving home where education was highly valued and they were encouraged to pursue their goals. In total, Mr. Kelley served 33 years in education. His longest tenure was in Rockdale County Public Schools in Conyers, GA. There he worked side by side with his wife, Faye P. Kelley. Together they were a leadership team. Thousands of lives were touched by them over decades of service, an accomplishment which can claimed by very few. After retiring from his education career, Mr. Kelley continued to serve for two terms on the Rockdale County Board of Education, including several terms as Chairman. Mr. Kelley was an accomplished gardener and woodworker. He and Faye spent countless hours tending their garden so they could share with others. Mr. Kelley was known for his fine craft of building birdhouses which were always highly personalized and proudly given as gifts. He regularly volunteered at the Home Depot to help children learn woodworking craft. He was highly creative in woodworking and crafts as well as a talented writer. He often created his own greeting cards where he shared his talent for writing verse with others. For years, Mr. Kelley volunteered as Santa Claus during the Christmas Season and was even employed to play the role of Saint Nick in the Atlanta area. The eyes of children would light up when they saw him, no matter the time of year, absolutely certain they were seeing the real Santa Claus. Mr. Kelley�s legacy is also rooted in youth sports and parks. He was a driving force behind the development of youth baseball in both Madison and Rockdale counties. Pine Log Park in Conyers is enjoyed by many today because of the vision provided by him and others. Mr. Kelley was one of the founders of the local Rockdale Federal Credit Union that served educators for many years and continues to serve the financial needs of members of the community today. He was the epitome of the saying that 'Someone sits in the shade of a tree today because a seed was planted long ago.' Mr. Kelley dedicated many years of service to another civic organization, Lions International. He and Faye served the local chapter and Mr. Kelley was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellow in 1999 and one of the first inductees into the Lions International Hall of Fame. Mr. Kelley was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Conyers for 52 years. He and Faye were key members of their Sunday School Classes and regularly volunteered at the church. Visitations are scheduled for Tuesday, May 24, 2016 from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Scot Ward Funeral Services in Conyers. Mr. Kelley's funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday, May 25 at 1:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 921 N. Main St., Conyers, GA. Dr. John Beyers will officiate the ceremony. Mr. Kelley's grandsons will serve as Pall Bearers; interment will follow at Green Meadow Memorial Gardens. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Mr. Kelley's life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Maxwell Sunday School Class at First United Methodist Church, 921 N. Main St., Conyers, GA. The family would like to thank Emory University Hospital and Budd Terrace doctors and nurses as well as Jean Carter for their extraordinary care and compassion. Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Road, Conyers, GA 30012, 770-483-7216.

Robert M. 'Bob' Kelley

December 23, 1929 - May 21, 2016