David Wesley O'Kelley

July 10, 1941 – January 14, 2018

Columbus, Georgia

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 20 beginning with the internment at Parkhill Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. with Dr. James Elder officiating. Visitation will follow from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Columbus. Service will follow at noon. Honorary pallbearers are Don Baggett, Lamar Beck, Noel Edwards, Chuck Fortner, Carl Hett, Ronnie Mann, Doug Pullen, Guy Sims, Ashton Smith, Bob Scarborough, and Jim White.

Mr. O’Kelley was born in Atlanta, Georgia, son of David C. and Carrie N. O’Kelley. He graduated from South Georgia Technical College and quickly became a leader in the construction and electrical industries holding many titles such as Project Manager, Quality Control Supervisor and Electrical Consultant. He proudly served his country during the Korean War and served his community as an instructor at Columbus Technical College for many years. He was a life-time member of the NRA.

Mr. O’Kelley was a member of First Baptist Church where he attended The New Beginnings Sunday School class. He also donated many hours giving his electrical talents to church projects such as The Living Christmas Tree and other electrical needs the church had.

He was preceded in death by his father David C. O’Kelley, his mother Carrie N. O’Kelley and his nephew Chris Cook. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Jean Craig O’Kelley; daughter Kimberly and husband Andrew MacKenzie; daughter Jennifer and husband Ryan Dobbins; son David H. and wife Grace O’Kelley; five granddaughters Bailey, Audrey, Lucy and Maci Dobbins and Hannah MacKenzie; three grandsons Caleb MacKenzie and Dustin and Gabriel Horne; a sister Carolyn O. Cook Heard; a niece Valerie and husband Jerri Brumbelow; a nephew Jody D. and wife Mia Cook; cousins Betty Jean Newman, Dorothy Sanders and Debby Whatley; and lastly his beloved dog, AJ.

The family would like to thank family and friends for walking alongside them in prayer and support during David’s illness. They give all the praise to God for his miraculous signs and for bestowing a peace that surpasses understanding. The family also thanks: Dr. James Elder for all of his love and support; Columbus Hospice and especially Joyce Barron, RN, Cheryl Smith, RN and Muriel Pitts, Chaplain.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to First Baptist Church Columbus, GA, or Columbus Hospice.