Obituary: Gilbert Allen Kelly

Gilbert Allen Kelly, 85, of Oak Ridge, passed away at his home on Tuesday, January 30.

He was born to parents Earl and Margie Carver Kelly on December 7, 1929, in Rabun County, Georgia.

Gilbert served in the U.S. Army from 1951-1953. He then became a carpenter with Martin Marietta Energy Systems. He also was a member of the Carpenters Local #50, where he actually taught his trade to others.

Gilbert was a hard-working, devoted husband and family man. He remained eternally committed to his beloved wife, Polly, by visiting her grave multiple times a week and could even be seen mowing grass or planting grass seed to make it more beautiful for her. It gives the family great peace to know that they are reunited in Heaven.

He accumulated many friends throughout his life and enjoyed keeping in touch with them. He especially enjoyed visiting friends and family at “the old home place” in Dillard, Georgia. He enjoyed yards sales, auctions, and spending time with his buddies at Krystal’s Breakfast Club. During his younger years he was an avid hunter and fisherman, which earned him the nickname “Bird Dog.” He was a member of Byrd’s Chapel.

Preceding him in death were his parents, the love of his life, Ollie “Polly” Kelly, as he affectionately called her, brothers Jack and Byron, and special brother-in-law, Hugh Turpin.

Survivors include son, Gilbert A. Kelly, Jr. and wife, Lynne Smith of Oak Ridge; granddaughters, Mandi Elliott and husband Charlie and their children, Dylan, Michael, Olivia, and Laney of Knoxville;

Leah Matthews and husband, Todd, Atlanta; granddog, Gus; sister, Ludie Turpin of Oak Ridge; the Kelly and Carver Clans, and too many special friends to mention.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, February 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Weatherford Mortuary. The funeral service will be held at 8 p.m. with Bryan Parris officiating. The graveside service will be at Byrd’s Chapel Methodist Church Cemetery Yarnell Road in Knoxville at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, February 4.

An online guest book may be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.