Don Kelley

Orbie “Don” Kelley of Chattanooga peacefully passed away on Friday, May 16, 2025. Originally from Jenkins, Kentucky, Don moved to Gadsden, AL following his service to the United States in the Army, a Veteran of the Korean War. He worked for Meadow Gold Dairy and eventually transferred with them to Rome, Ga, in 1967. While in Rome, he also owned and operated the local Dari-King. Don had a career in sales with local freight companies Rosedale Transportation and Crown Transport. To be closer to his grandchildren, Don and his wife, Reba, moved to Chattanooga in 1988. He retired as VP of Sales with Covenant Transportation. He was active in the NW Georgia Transportation Club where he served as President from1995-1996.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Goldie Kelley of Jenkins, KY, sister Connie Sheehee and brother Johnny Kelley of Jenkins KY, and his wife of 65 years Reba Kelley. He is survived by siblings, Reva (Chuck) Murphy, Patsy Browning, and David (Joann) Kelley. His children: Randy (Rhonda) Kelley, Robin (Al) Pilcher, Mark (Lori) Kelley, 6 grandchildren: Chris (Mary) Kelley, Jeremy Kelley, Meredith (Josh) Robbs, Natalie (Phillip) Holderfield, Chase (Lexy) Kelley, and Kaiti (Travis) Coyman. 14 Great Grandchildren: Jack, Isaac, Mary Grace, and Lilly Kelley, Baylee and Chloe Kelley, Stella and Will Robbs, Hannah, Hadley, and Harper Holderfield, Rhett Kelley, and Conlee and Colton Coyman.

Don’s love of the Lord, combined with a zest for travel and missions led him to join Carpenters for Christ where he served for many years, traveling to many cities to build Churches and spread the love of Jesus any way that he could. He was a Sunday School teacher at East Ridge Baptist Church where he also served as a Deacon and Choir member. He was a member of the Masons at Cherokee Lodge No. 66. As a lifelong Kentucky Wildcat fan, he was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonial by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He was an avid Atlanta Braves fan. At the time of his passing, Don was a resident of Hickory Valley Retirement Center where he made many friends and cherished the staff. He was affectionately called the Mayor of Hickory Valley. The title he held closest to his heart was that of Papaw. He loved his family and was proud of his 20 grandchildren. His favorite time of year was the family’s annual Ribfest, a Kelley Family Tradition. He served as chief grill master and host until he passed the baton to his grandsons in 2019.

He was a previous member of Pleasant Valley North Baptist Church, Rome, GA., East Ridge Baptist Church, and he currently attended Grace Works Church in Chattanooga.

Arrangements are being made by the Chattanooga Funeral Home, East Chapel, 404 South Moore Road. The family will receive visitors on Friday, May 23, 2025, at the funeral home from 10:30am – 12:30pm. A service in the chapel will begin at 12:30 with a burial at the National Cemetery at 2:00pm with a graveside service with Military Honors. The Grandsons will serve as Pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to The Gideons International or Tunnels 2 Towers organization (t2t.org) to support/honor Veterans.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Hickory Valley Retirement Center for their love and many friendships, the Doctors and Nurses at Erlanger East Hospital and to Anthony Falls of Hearth Hospice for your powerful prayers and guidance.

Please share your thoughts and memories at ChattanoogaEastChapel.com.