Jerry Kelley

In the early morning of Sunday, March 26, 2017, Jerry Kelley, 89, entered the pearly gates of Heaven looking for his favorite fishing hole. He was born in Christoval, TX, February 17, 1928, to Addie Virginia West Kelley and Grover Franklin Kelley. Jerry joined his loving family in Heaven: wife of 67yrs, Mary Amelia Arriola Kelley, San Angelo, TX; sister, Georgia Kelley; brother, Robert Neal Kelley, Odessa, TX; sister, Penny Stone, Corpus Christi, TX; sister, Delores Demary, Pittsfield, MA; and, sister, Rene Coles, Bakersfield, CA.

Jerry epitomized your vision of an American of the "Greatest Generation." He was born during the Great Depression, and he lost his older sister and mother before he was 10 years old. To earn a living and a place to call home, his family traveled the farm roads of South Texas and the Panhandle following the cotton crops. Jerry remembers the days of following his Mom and Dad around the fields while helping to fill the 100pound cotton sacks. Jerry learned from a very early age to enjoy traveling the roads/highways of Texas. After living with his grandparents in Big Spring, Jerry, as a 14year old boy in Corpus Christi, began working in the newspaper business by delivering Corpus Christi Caller Times newspapers to the residents and businesses on North Beach. Jerry admired his older brother, Bob's service to the US Navy, so at age16, he enlisted early, into the US Navy. During WWII, Jerry served on the amphibious ship, LSM 447, in the Pacific Theatre from 1944-1946. Jerry returned to Naval Service in 1950, and served during the Korean War, progressing to the rank of Boatswains Mate 3rd Class. At the end of his Navy service and on his return to Corpus Christi, Jerry began a 29year career with Harte Hanks Newspaper. As the State Circulation Manager, he supervised the distribution of the Caller Times to locations all over South Texas. In 1963, Jerry was rewarded for his hard work and was relocated as State Circulation Manager at the San Antonio Express News. In 1970, he was promoted to Circulation Director at the San Angelo Standard Times.

Jerry was proud of his military service in the US Navy, and he was famous for retelling events and providing historic perspective of his duty in the Pacific. On September 25, 1961, Jerry was commissioned Honorary Admiral in the Texas Navy.

Jerry continued his love of traveling Texas Highways by making a sales career change in 1975. He accepted a position in specialty advertising with his Uncle John Kelley and later with Howell and Windam Advertising, Odessa, TX. Until he was 87 years old, Jerry's amiable business customer service earned him the respect and repeat business of many customers in the banking, oilfield services and commercial businesses of Texas.

Jerry enjoyed fishing on the Concho River and the Gulf of Mexico and telling stories with his family and friends. Jerry was proud of the hard work and success of his children and extended family. Jerry earned his GED and attended Victoria College, and he and Mary were extremely proud that their children and grandchildren received college and post graduate degrees.

He is survived by his children: RADM Jerry R. Kelley, USN, Little Rock, AR and David W. Kelley and Grace Kelley, Round Rock, TX. Jerry was welcomed and spent his brief golden years in the home of his daughter, Kathy and Ralph Madla, Helotes, TX. His grandchildren: Lacy and Andrea Way, San Antonio, TX; Christopher and Mabel Kelley, Asia; Sara Kelley, Boynton Beach, FL.; Nancigayle and Sargon Mirza, London, UK; Kristin and Kyle Shortt, San Antonio, TX; Kimberly Mounce, Washington, DC; and Caroline Kelley, San Antonio, TX. His Great-Grandchildren: James and Evan Way, Shor Mei Kelley, and Kelsey and Katie Shortt.

Honorary Pall Bearers:

RADM Ben F Gaumer, USN, Indianola, IA

RADM David Maserang USN, Georgetown, TX

William C Coffey, San Angelo, TX

John D. Loika, Austin, TX

Rell B. Rice, Austin, TX

In Lieu of flowers, please send a donation to your favorite charity or the National Museum of the Pacific War, Fredericksburg, TX.

Internment:

Pending

Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery

San Antonio, TX