Kelly Collier Carter

Kelly was preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn Collier Carter, and his father, Jack Maynard Carter. He is survived by his husband, Michael Silberman, with whom Kelly celebrated a Civil Union in 2003. They married in 2015 after Georgia law began recognizing same-sex marriage. He is also survived by his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Claire and Ira Silberman; his brother and sister-in-law, Steve and Diane Silberman; two adoring nieces, Gena and Carly; and numerous cousins whom he dearly loved.

Kelly was born in Lakeland, Florida on August 9, 1962. After graduating from Santa Fe Catholic High School, he attended Clemson University, where he graduated in 1985, receiving a bachelor's degree in Building Science and Engineering Management.

After college, Kelly moved to Atlanta, Georgia where he had a more than 30 year career in construction management. Kelly was employed as Senior Managing Director for Waypoint Residential, a developer, owner and operator of multifamily properties throughout the United States. He previously served as Vice-President of Construction for Post Properties, having also worked for Lane Realty Construction, JPI, and United Dominion Realty Trust. He loved his work and his handprint remains on several apartment communities and high-rise buildings scattered throughout Atlanta and the southeast.

Kelly was regarded as an affable and warm person among his family, friends and co-workers. He was good-natured, easy-going and always the most pleasant company. He was highly principled and was considered by those he worked with to be particularly skilled at navigating challenging situations with calm, fairness and reason. His patience with Michael is legendary!

Kelly was a lover of animals, particularly his beloved felines, Mabel and Maude. He had a passion for cars. He was an excellent cook. He loved adventure, having traveled with Michael to dozens of countries. But Kelly was most content at a small gathering with close friends, or spending a quiet night at home with Michael - sitting by a fire pit, listening to music, and sipping on an Old Fashioned.

He was kind, decent, respectful, ethical and honorable. His loss is immeasurable.

Michael is planning to host a Celebration of Life honoring Kelly at a date in the near future. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to either the American Brain Tumor Association or the Georgia SPOT Society, an organization dedicated to low to no-cost spay neutering for pets.