Clarence ‘Gene’ Kelley

Clarence “Gene” Kelley, age 65, of Clinton, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 19, at the Norris Health and Rehabilitation Center in Andersonville.

Gene was a true outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, working on cars, and playing with his grandchildren. His home and heart were open to all children, especially his own. It was normal for Gene’s home to be full with his five kids and all of their friends.

Gene was a veteran of the United States Army, serving from 1966–1971. He was an auto mechanic for Goodyear and also worked for Pinkerton Security as a security guard deputy sheriff.

Gene will be greatly missed by his family and all those who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James General and Georgia Pauline Kelley; brother, James H. Kelley; and nephews, Jeff Kelley and Tyler King.

Gene is survived by his son, Jason Kelley of Clinton; daughters, Kimberly Day of Clinton, Sharon Kelley and fiancé Joseph Fortin of Oneida, Georgia Merical and James of Maryland, and Samantha West and Dewayne of Clinton; brothers, Carl Kelley and Lila of Clinton, and Jerry Kelley and Helen; sisters, Willie King of Clinton, and Ella Mae Cook and Charles “Bud” of Clinton; grandchildren, Megan Kelley, Khayman Merical, and Channa, Alisa, and Leah West. He is also survived by many nephews & nieces that he loved very much, and close friends Carey Shafer and the Hurst family.

Gene’s family will receive his friends on Wednesday, December 26th from 6:00 – 8:00 pm with his memorial service following at 8:00 pm in the chapel of Jones Mortuary with Rev. Chris Thomas officiating. His interment will be Thursday, December 27th at 1:30 pm at the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Knoxville, TN with full military honors.