Albert Julius Kelley

Born in Liberty, SC to Lloyd Kelley and Vera Bracken Kelley, Albert was also known to friends and family as “Bob, Bobby, Uncle Bobby, and Papa.”

Albert is predeceased by his parents, two siblings, Betty Kelley Gault (Jimmy), and Buddy Kelley, as well as his beloved wife of 53 years, Lillie Reece Kelley.

Albert is survived by his daughter Patricia Rogers, his nephew Edward Kelley (Emily), his sister in law Sandra Kelley, three grandchildren; Walter Rogers (Monica), Carla Rose, Kelley Curl (Jon), four great grandchildren; Connor Rogers, Hugh Rose, Stark Curl, and Lily Reece Curl as well as a great niece and nephew Venture Kelley and Mavis Kelley.

Albert grew up on a dairy farm in Liberty. He joined the Navy and was a proud Veteran. He graduated from Anderson College and became an auto cad engineer, designing cranes for Carolina Material and Handling until his retirement. Albert loved to travel and camp and did so often with his late wife Lillie and all of his family and friends.

Albert was a member of Calvary Baptist Church since 1987. A man of strong faith, he attended church as often as he was able. He was a valuable member of his Sunday school class.

Albert will always be remembered by his grandchildren for the countless ways he showed up in their lives. Teaching them valuable life skills such as riding bikes, roller skating and skate boarding. He gained immense joy from building tree houses and play houses for them. He often spent weekends with them washing cars and tending to his beautiful yard. He attended more than his fair share of school awards days, graduations, plays, concerts for his grandchildren and even great grandchildren.

He embodied the true spirit of fatherhood, showing up for his family as a constant source of support and guidance.

After Lillie’s passing, he found solace in dancing, discovering a new passion that brought him joy. He spoke about how dancing saved him and often danced several times a week. While he had many dance partners, his most special dance partner was Ginger Elon Delafosse. She was a source of love, support and friendship we are all so thankful for.

A visitation for Albert will be held Thursday, June 26, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1 Pine Knoll Drive, Greenville, SC 29609. A funeral service will occur Friday, June 27, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Calvary Baptist Church Simpsonville, 3810 Grandview Dr,

Simpsonville, SC 29680. A committal service will occur Friday, June 27, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 4:00PM at Graceland East Memorial Park, 2206 Woodruff Rd, Simpsonville, SC 29681.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project, or charity of your choice.