William Joseph Kelley Jr.

Bill was born in Kansas City, Missouri on November 18, 1952 to the late William, Sr. and Jeane Kelley who relocated to Ft. Lauderdale in 1955.  He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 47 years, Gail Harkins Kelley, sons William Andrew and John David, brother Stephen Kelley Sr., nephews Stephen Kelley (Candace) and daughters (Addison, Vivian) and Chad Kelley and sons (Jake and Cam). Many other beloved cousins, nieces and nephews across the country make up the extended Kelley family. 

Attending Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, Bill was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He returned to Ft. Lauderdale in 1975, joining his father and brother in business at Bill Kelley Chevrolet, eventually becoming the dealer/owner in 1993.

A sports enthusiast and ardent Miami Dolphin fan, Bill also enjoyed golf, boating, playing games, and entertaining friends. He loved people and never met a stranger. He was a devoted husband and father who deeply loved his wife and two sons. 

Bill became a man of profound joy and faith. His faith came about when a faithful believer shared the love, forgiveness, and acceptance of Jesus with Bill during a series of lunches. After having all his questions answered, and in addition to research that he had done, Bill concluded Jesus was who he said he was, the Son of God, and gave his life to Christ. With his new found faith and with great confidence, his greatest focus was now on sharing this Good News, which far surpassed his enthusiasm for selling cars.

Bill’s love language was giving and soon his greatest gift to others was the story of Jesus, often imparted behind closed doors in his dealership office. Early on, he described himself as a “recovering materialist” (He who dies with the most toys wins). He found Mark 8:36 a sobering verse everyone should ponder: "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" 

As a member of Rio Vista Community church (formerly Bethany Presbyterian), Bill served the church as an elder, mentored many young people while teaching Sunday School high schoolers, spearheaded creative visions for the Church, and loved working the grounds for beautification. Along with his wife, Gail, many small group meetings and Bible studies were hosted in their home over the years.

Bill had expressed that his Homecoming Celebration be joyful, focusing on Jesus, not himself. He leaves you with one of his favorite and first memorized paragraphs highlighted in his Bible. 

Philippians 4: 4-9

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say again, Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. 

Bill was greatly loved and will be greatly missed. He's left wonderful memories with all. Family and friends rejoice that he's no longer ill and in the presence of God where his joy will never end. 

Memorial gifts to honor Bill’s legacy can be made to:  

                                                                                                          Coral Ridge Ministries

                                                                                                  Operations

                                                                                                  5555 N. Federal Highway

                                                                                                  Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308