Bernus James Kelley "B J" was born March 23, 1944 in Brownsboro, Texas to the parents of Frank and Edna Kelley. He moved to Dallas as a small child once his mother established a home for the family. As a child, he attended elementary and middle school in Dallas. In 1961 he graduated from James Madison High School.
In 1964, BJ welcomed a son, Brian Kelley, with his wife, Sandra Dickerson. In 1976, he was united in Holy Matrimony to Irene Kelley and to this union, one daughter was born, Kimberly Kelley.
BJ had a passion for driving. He had several jobs over the years that spanned from being a Pepsi Cola truck driver, Yellow Cab Taxi driver, school bus driver for the Dallas County Schools, and Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) where he retired in 2002. In 2017, he wanted to be able to serve others still through driving and began working with the Park Ridge Academy Day Care as a van driver. He worked there until March 2020.
BJ was a follower of Christ and attended church regularly until his illness. He was one of the founding members of Agape Bible Church where he faithfully served as president of the Usher Board for several years.
BJ was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Edna Kelley and two brothers, Truman and Austin C. Kelley. The memory of BJ Kelley’s life shall never die but shall linger in the hearts and minds of the lives he touched with love. To cherish his memory, he leaves: a forever love, Irene Kelley; son, Brian (Angela) Kelley; daughter, Kimberly Kelley; granddaughter, Karlissa Kennard; nephews, great nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.
A visitation for B J will be held Tuesday, October 4, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Laurel Land Funeral Home, 6300 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas, TX 75232. A celebration of life will occur Wednesday, October 5, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 6300 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas, TX 75232. A committal service will occur Wednesday, October 5, 2022 from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM at Laurel Land Mem Park - Dallas, 6300 S. R.L. Thornton Frwy., Dallas, TX 75232.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.laurellanddallas.com for the Kelley family.
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