Obituary: James G. Kelly

James G. Kelly went to be with the Lord at his home in Oliver Springs on Monday, Oct. 28, 2013.

He was born to Dan C. and Anna B. Kelly on Sept. 14, 1923. He proudly served his country as a Marine in World War II. He was wounded on the island of Iwo Jima following 19 days in battle.

He was employed at Union Carbide for 10 years, and he was a Roane Country bus driver for 37 years. He operated his own business, Kelly’s store in Oliver Springs, for 25 years. He was a 50-year member of Omega Masonic Lodge #536 F & AM, a Scottish Rite member, a deacon of First Baptist Church, and a member of the Oliver Springs Historical Society.

Mr. Kelly is preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth Gaylor and husband Vaughn; and by brothers, Dan Kelly Jr. and wife Willene, and Joe Kelly and wife Barbara.

James is survived by the love of his life and wife of 64 years, Carolyn Abston; by a daughter, Diane Carr and husband Phil; by a son, James D. and wife Pat; by his grandsons, of which he was so proud, Matt Carr and wife Shannon, Andrew Carr and wife Meghan; by a granddaughter, Julie Chambers and husband David; and by a step-grandson Tony Bull and wife, Lynn.

He is also survived by sister-in-laws, Tommie A. Jackson and Barbara Jane Walker; by step great- granddaughters, Arielle and Ashelynne Bull; by his precious great-grandchildren, Libby, Tyler, and Sullivan Carr, and Bailey Chambers; and by a step-great-grandson, David Chambers. He is also survived by several loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, special friends, and by Shelley Hall and Burlin McKinney, who the Kelly family considers as their children.

The family received friends Wednesday, Oct. 30, between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Sharp Funeral Home. The funeral followed at 7 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Garvan Walls officiating.

Burial and graveside services were held Thursday, Oct. 31, at 11 a.m. at Anderson Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, any memorial gifts may be given to the Mt. Pisgah Printing Ministry or the Oliver Springs Historical Society. Sharp Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. An online guestbook is available at www.sharpfh.com.