Thomas Kelly

Thomas "Earl" Kelly, 81, of Spartanburg, SC died Monday, May 8, 2017 in Spartanburg, SC surrounded by his loved ones. Born September 28, 1935 in Old Fort, NC, he was the son of the late Claude Thomas Kelly and Maggie Morris Kelly. Mr. Kelly was a Korean War veteran for the United States Navy and was Honorably Discharged in 1956. Mr. Kelly, the rambling man, loved his chosen profession as a truck driver, and traveled the 48 continental United States and into Canada. He retired as an Owner/Operator for Crete Carrier Corporation. Mr. Kelly enjoyed playing guitar and singing and shared this pastime through the years with family and many friends. Mr. Kelly was a devoted family man and is survived by his wife of 58 years, Julia Kerlee Kelly. He was cherished by his children, Angela Kelly (Len Brock) of Spartanburg, SC, Phillip (Darlene) Kelly of Chesnee, SC, Charlotte (David) McCowan of Inman, SC, and Crystal (Jeff) Powell of Spartanburg, SC; and was a beloved Papa to seven grandchildren, Rachel, Haily, Weston, Raven, Laura, Jenica, and Kaylin. Mr. Kelly is also survived by his sister, Darlene Kelly Parker. He is preceded in death by his brothers, George Lee Kelly and Joseph Edwin Leonard. The family will hold private funeral services. Interment will be at Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain, North Carolina. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. "I have spent many days stringing and unstringing my instrument while the song I came to sing remains unsung." To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Thomas "Earl" Kelly please visit our Sympathy Store.