John Thomas Kelly IV, age 58, of Plano, Texas passed away on Friday, December 14, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. John was born Sunday, September 4, 1960 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina to Kay Peoples Kelly and John Thomas Kelly III. He was welcomed home by big sister, Deborah (Debbie), who he grew very close to.
John grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, London, England, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. He and his father went to Super Bowl XVI. He was a sports fanatic, playing football, baseball, rugby, and wrestling. He went to Wimbledon every year while living in London. He and his father would go to the Ice Bowl. While in Ireland he kissed the Blarney Stone. He also traveled all over Europe. As a teenager, John spent Christmas Day in Jerusalem and brought his Mom a Madonna and Child carved from an Olive Branch. He attended school in Charlotte, North Carolina and London England.
John had many nicknames and depending on who you were you might refer to him as John Tonkey, Daddyo, Johnny, or Huke.
John enjoyed a career as a General Contractor for more than twenty years. He was Methodist and was a Greeter at Christ United Methodist Church. One of John's most memorable life moments (aside from the birth of his sons) was seeing the Dallas Cowboys win the 1992 Super Bowl.
John loved boating, water sports, and swimming. He was an avid fan of sports and especially when it involved watching his sons play basketball, football, and baseball. He watched his sons compete in Plano, Texas where he raised his boys and called home for 30+ years. His favorite teams were the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, and North Carolina Tar Heels. His favorite color was Carolina Blue. His favorite musicians and bands were Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, Beatles, Led Zeppelin. He loved concerts and had the joy of seeing Diana Ross, Bruce Springsteen, Prince, and Madonna live in concert. His favorite movies were The Godfather, Rocky, Snatch, Bad Boys, Animal House, and The Big Lebowski. His favorite television shows were Entourage, 70's Show, Duck Dynasty, and Andy Griffith Show.
John loved to travel, but his favorite places to be were the ocean, Lake, or simply near the water. He loved taking Holiday at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, Horseshoe Bay, Texas, and Maui, Hawaii.
John loved his family more than anything. He was always smiling and laughing. He was strong willed and cared about others. He was a very accepting man and always treated his sons’ friend like family. John could often be heard saying, "My belly full, but me hungry."
John was preceded in death by son Alex Robert Kelly
John is survived by sons John Thomas Kelly V (Christine) and Cole Kelly, mother and father Kay and John Thomas Kelly III and sister Deborah Kelly Wyand (Martin)
A Memorial Service for John will be held Thursday, December 20, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. at Ted Dickey West Funeral Home 8011 Frankford Road Dallas, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in John's memory may be made to Alzheimer's Association 3001 Knox St. #200 Dallas, Texas 75205
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.teddickeywestfuneral.com for the Kelly family.
FAMILY
Kay KellyMother
John Thomas Kelly IIIFather
Alex Robert KellySon (deceased)
Cole KellySon
John Thomas Kelly VSon
Christine KellyDaughter-in-law
Deborah WyandSister
Martin WyandBrother-in-law
DONATIONS
Alzheimer's Association3001 Knox St. , Dallas, Texas 75205
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