Walter Richard "Dick" Kelly Jr.

Dick was born on May 17, 1929 to Rev. Walter Richard Kelly, Sr. and Lelia Smith Kelly in Trinity, NC. His father was a Methodist minister, so Dick spent his childhood moving every four years from one North Carolina town to another as his father led various congregations. Dick attended Duke University and graduated in 1951 with a degree in Accounting. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He continued at Duke University for his law degree, graduating in 1954. He then served in the United States Army.

After a short time in public accounting where he received his CPA, Dick began his lengthy career with American Commercial Bank, a predecessor of Bank of America. He worked for over 35 years for the bank as a trust officer, a job he loved. In 1964, he met Margaret Alline Whitted (“Sissie”) and they were married that same year on July 17th at First Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC. Their wedding picture is in the bride’s room at the church. Dick and Sissie were members of First Presbyterian Church their entire married lives. They have two children: Walter Richard Kelly, III (“Rich”) and Kevin Whitted Kelly.

Dick was passionate about collecting stamps and could often be found at the Charlotte Philatelic Society meetings. Many of his friends and former coworkers would send him interesting stamps from their travels. He also enjoyed playing the piano, working crossword puzzles, and reading about churches and classic cars. Dick served as treasurer of the Heineman Foundation for more than 35 years and as a deacon at First Presbyterian Church.

Dick was a loving husband, father and grandfather, always kind and complimentary. He was a strong, proud and good man - a class act. Dick was predeceased by his parents, Rev. Walter Richard Kelly, Sr. and Lelia Smith Kelly. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Margaret Whitted Kelly; his sons, Rich Kelly (Beth) and Kevin Kelly; and three grandchildren, Ryan, Brenna, and Shane Kelly.

The family requests that all flowers and notes are sent to McEwen Funeral Home & Cremation @ Myers Park, 500 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28207.

There will be a memorial service in the funeral home chapel at 2:00 pm on Monday, February 8th. There will be a visitation before the service beginning at 1:00 pm. Graveside burial is private.

Memorials may be sent to First Presbyterian Church, 200 West Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202 or Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry.