Charles Leonard “Len” Kelly passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on September 28, 2022. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Childersburg, Alabama. He was born in Selma, Alabama, on July 11, 1934. He graduated from Pine Hill High School in 1952 and joined the US Navy shortly after. He served in the Navy from 1952-1956, during which time he did a world tour aboard the USS Midway from December 1954 until July 1955 where he served as a Radioman 3rd Class in the OR Division. After his naval service, he began a forty year career with Southern Railway, now known as Norfolk Southern Railway. He married Eloise Hobgood on June 29, 1957, and together they raised four children. They moved their family to Childersburg in 1975, where Len eventually retired. He enjoyed genealogy, gardening, and yard work, but his greatest joy came from time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was known throughout the community for his humble heart and his desire to always put others before himself. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Charles is survived by his wife, Eloise Kelly; his son, Randy Kelly (Gina); his son, Tim Kelly (Tracie); his daughter, Brenda Kelly Edwards (Tony); and his daughter, Becky Kelly Callais (Darryl); his brother, Kenny Kelly (Sherry) and his sister, Ann Kelly; his grandchild,Cortney Edwards, his grandchild, Luke Kelly, his grandchild, Morgan Kelly Runyan, his grandchild, Madison Ryan Kelly, his grandchild, Mitch Kelly, his great grandchild, Aria Brand, his great grandchild, Carter Kelly, his great grandchild, Parker Humphries, his great grandchild, Kashton Runyan and his great grandchild,Millie Kelly.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Cynthia Marie Kelly and parents, Charlie and Emma Kelly.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Calvary Baptist Church, 904 3rd St NW, Childersburg, Alabama with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM. The burial will take place on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 11:45 AM at Alabama National Cemetery, 3133 Hwy 119, Montevallo, AL 35115.
Serving as pallbearers are Cortney Edwards, Luke Kelly, Madison Ryan Kelly, Mitch Kelly, Nick Runyan and Ricky Harris.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alabama Baptist Children's Home, Attn: Ministry, 2681 Rocky Ridge Lane,Birmingham, Al. 35216 or [email protected].
