William Randolph Kelly Jr.

William Randolph Kelly, Jr., age 73 of Hickory was called to duty in Heaven on Sunday, November 13, 2016. He was born on August 4, 1943 in Black Mountain, North Carolina to William and Gladys Watson Kelly.

William proudly served his country in the United States Army for 24 years. He was a Vietnam Veteran, stationed there in 1967 and during his career also served at duty posts in Europe and here in the US. While stationed in Germany he met and married the love of his life, Dorothea and together they raised two children, Randy and Patricia. William retired from active duty in 1989.

William was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church and The Masonic Lodge in South Carolina. He loved restoring antique vehicles, enjoyed gardening and bluegrass music. William was loved by everyone and will be deeply missed.

William is survived by his wife, Dorothea of Hickory; children, Randy Kelly and wife Lynn of Fortson, Georgia and Patricia Annas and husband Floyd of Hickory; siblings, Francine Kelly Clarke and husband Jim of Cornelius, North Carolina, Casey M. Kelly and wife Cathy of Newton, family friend, Diane Boliek of Newton and Lisa Kelly Gragg of Hickory; grandchildren, Lauren Kelly Hsu, Courtney Kelly and Cameo Craig; great grandchildren, Madison, Caroline Grace and Ella Faith; Military Comrades and friends, Ron Cash and family and William C. Henry and wife Inge.

William was preceded in death by his sisters, Sherry Kelly, Marcheta Wheeler and Patty Batt.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am on Friday, November 18, 2016 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Hickory. Burial will follow at Catawba Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 pm to 8 pm on Thursday, November 17, at Catawba Funeral Home in Hickory.

The Kelly family would like to thank the staff at Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville for the care William received and their support of the family in the final months of his life.