David Lee Kelly

David was born in Greenville, SC to Jack Lee Kelly and Nancy MacEachern Kelly. David lived in Atlanta, GA for most of his youth, attended Florida Presbyterian College and graduated from Emory University.

After graduating from Emory University, he moved to Houston, TX where he worked as a Research Associate for UTMB. Later he accepted a position at a camera store, where he met Anna Goodner, his wife.

They worked together as commercial photographers. Then purchased a house in Woodland Heights which he remodeled, and completed all the work himself. He was a man of many interests and talents.

When David and Anna decided to start a family they chose adoption through DePelchin. During the adoption process their case worker asked if they would accept a child with Native American heritage, Dave replied, with a straight face, “Only with reservations”. To their surprise, the caseworker did not rip up their adoption application and they were soon a family of five.

David had unconditional love for his children and was very proud of each of them. David was an exceptional father and active in their activities at school, in addition to numerous family camping trips (He did not enjoy camping!). He was also active in the community; he started a CERT group in Woodland Heights that distributed food and water to people in need after a hurricane.

David is survived by his wife Anna Goodner; children, Julia Tiffany Kelly, Jessica Elena Kelly, and John Vincent Kelly; grandchildren, Brie, Aiden and Kaia; two surviving siblings, Rion Kelly and Michael Kelly and a host of nieces, nephews and their children, and his good friend from college, Tom, who kept in touch via typed letters, all of which he loved very much.

David regretted not being able to be here to watch his grandchildren grow up.

We will miss his love, wit, intellect and Dad jokes.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.heightsfuneralhome.com for the Kelly family.