Bay Minette, AL. - Theron Wilson Kelley, 99, a native of Sylacauga, Alabama, passed away on March 7, 2024.
He was born on March 2, 1925, son of the late James Luther Kelley (1864-1941) and Lula Sims Kelley, (1888-1932). He is preceded in death by his spouse Earlene Moss Kelley (1923-2018). He is survived by his only son, David Patrick “Pat” Kelley, his beloved daughter-in-law, Mary Anne, and his precious granddaughter, Mary Shannon Kelley.
On July 4, 1943 he entered service with the Army during WWII. As a Staff Seargent, he participated in both the landings on Luzon and Leyte in the Philippines. His most memorable time of the war was when he was present to witness the surrender of Yamashita and Okochi at Camp John Hay in Baguio.
After the war, he enjoyed the hobby of flying fixed wing aircraft for 54 years, and served on the airport board in Sylacauga. His favorite poem was “High Flight” by John Gillispie McGhee, Jr. The last line of the poem being “Put out my hand and touched the face of God”.
He was a member of American Legion Post 45 in Sylacauga, Alabama.
He was known for his patriotism, kindness to others, and generosity for those who might need a hand up.
Visitation will be held at Radney-Smith Funeral Home in Sylacauga on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. A graveside service will be held with military honors immediately following visitation at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name may be made to the United States Army Ranger Association at www.ranger.org . Please write a note in the comment section “For the Gabriel B. Kinney Scholarship Fund”.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/sylacauga-al/radney-smith-funeral-home/8516.
Radney-Smith Funeral Home in Sylacauga, AL will direct the services.
