Carl E. Kelly

SGM (Ret.) Carl Edward Kelly, 79, of Columbus, GA passed away Saturday, May 16, 2015 at Midtown Medical. He was born March 27, 1936 in Dunham, KY to his late parents Arnold and Mattie Day Kelly. SGM Kelly served his country proudly for 27 years including two tours in Vietnam, earning the Combat Infantry Badge, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good-Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver Star and Two Bronze Service Stars, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal (one Oak Leaf Cluster), four Overseas Service Bars, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Senior Parachutist Badge, Drill Sargent Identification Badge, and Parachutist Badge. He attended Beallwood Baptist Church and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend.

The family will receive guests Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 10:00 am, one hour prior to the 11:00 am service in Edgewood Hall of Striffler-Hamby, 4071 Macon Rd. Columbus, GA, followed by a Committal Service in Parkhill Cemetery with Military honors. Reverend Billy Duncan will officiate.

Along with his parents, Mr. Kelly is preceded in death by three brothers; James, Bob, and David Kelly;three sisters, Mavis Ansolvish, Carolyn Ann Draughn and Mary Alice Gembach. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Kay Kelly; three Daughters, Carla S. Gibson of Richmond, VA, Katrina Johnpeer of Waverly Hall, GA, and Charlene Foulds of Columbus, GA; one son, John A. Branton of Columbus, GA; brother, Fred Kelly of Harlem, KY; brother in-law, Jack Gembach of East Stone Gap, VA; seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

Online condolences may be offered at www.shcolumbus.com. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Beallwood Baptist Church, 4650 Veterans Parkway, Columbus, Georgia 31904