Ssgt. (Ret.) Shirley Kelly Jr. passed away October 15, 2019 at the age of 88.
Funeral Services will be held Tuesday October 22, 2019 at 12 pm at Emanuel Chapel United Methodist Church,
Visitation will be held Monday October 21, from 6-8 pm also at the church located at 900 Beaver St. in Brownwood.
Shirley was born in Brownwood Texas on October 12, 1931 to the late Birdie Mae Perkins and Shirley Kelly Sr. Kelly attended R.F. Hardin High School.
Shirley enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1952 where he served for 21 years and received many awards.
On January 24, 1964 he married Klara G Rahlf in Worm, Germany. Shirley was then transferred to Ft. Jackson, South Carolina where he settled his family, as he returned to his service.
On March 31, 1973 Shirley married Sun Cha Wang, in Seoul Korea. He moved his family to his hometown in 1978.
Shirley worked as Animal Control for the city of Brownwood for 15 years until his retirement. He enjoyed his friends at the Senior Center and spending time with his family.
He was a member of Emanuel Chapel United Methodist Church for several years, where he worked as a Trustee.
Left with his precious memories are seven sons, Timmie Kelly (Barbara) of Columbia South Carolina, Michael Kelly, of Brownwood, Texas, Shirley Kelly III (Angie) of Columbia, South Carolina, Rickey Kelly of Columbia, South Carolina, Larry James Kelly of Atlanta, Georgia, Ton Yon Kelly (Sun), Nebraska, and Rickey Orise of Los Angeles, CA. Three daughters, Beverley Motley (Edward) of Texas, Patricia Ladson of Hopkins, South Carolina and Tanya Kelly of Columbia, South Carolina. As well as an adopted son Herbert Colbert of Brownwood. He has 24 grands, 42 great grands and 2 great great grands. As well as a host of cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Shirley and Birdie Mae Kelly, Klara Dunbar and one sister Fannie Mae Kelly Latson. Services entrusted to Brownwood Funeral Home. Online Condolences may be made at www.brownwoodfuneralhomel.net
