David "Jade" Kelly

David Jade Kelly, beloved son, brother, and friend, unexpectedly passed away on the 19th of October 2025, at the age of 28. Born on the 6th of November 1996, in Lancaster, California, Jade was known for his intelligence and quick wit.

Jade was a 2015 graduate of Kingwood High School where he was a top 10 student. Jade distinguished himself as a basketball player and a hard worker at restaurants in the community. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from The University of Alabama in 2019, where he had a four year full-tuition academic scholarship. While in Tuscaloosa, Jade was a brother of Phi Delta Theta and also maintained near perfect grades, earning numerous designations to the Dean’s List.

In 2022, Jade fulfilled his educational goals, completing his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Jade began his career at Hibiscus Dental in Merritt Island, Florida working for Dr. Josh Gunnell, DMD. Under Dr. Gunnell's guidance, Jade grew as a dentist and a person. Upon his return to Houston, Jade began practicing at Aesthetic Dentistry in Baytown, Texas under Dr. Dean Hutto, DDS. With his sharp intellect and unique sense of humor, Jade brought his sincere sense of self to all situations. He used his wit and charm to comfort patients during challenging dental visits and was loved by his colleagues for his hard work and commitment to dentistry.

Jade was an active member of the congregation at Rice Temple Baptist Church under the mentorship of Reverend Clint Reiff. He maintained a devout faith in Jesus Christ and a strong commitment to personal morals. He devoted his time to service and participated in mission trips to Guatemala in support of the Living Water campaign with his grandparents, Ron and Pat.

Though Jade often led with a serious demeanor, he also had an eccentric side to his personality. Jade had a particular affinity for themed clothing and could be expected to show up to Christmas Dinner in a reindeer onesie. Indeed, Jade’s heart could be seen through his love for his family and friends. He could spend hours speaking with his mother about his big ideas and devoted evenings after dental school to attending his brother Carson’s football games. In his free time, Jade enjoyed spending time outside playing with his beloved dog, Dixie, along with lifting weights and maintaining personal fitness. Jade was a passionate fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide and spent many Saturdays watching Alabama football games.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Jade was preceded in death by his grandparents, Janice Fay Graham, Billy Joe Holland, and Ronald Kelly. He is survived by his parents: Courtnaye Renea Holland, John David Kelly; his brother Carson Joe Kelly; sister Victoria Marie Kelly; grandmother Patricia Kelly; his aunt Kelley Shuford and husband Jimmy Shuford, aunts Rachel Marie Kelly and Ryan Kelly, uncle Paul Kelly and wife Michelle Kelly; six cousins, many close friends, and poodle Dixie.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal.

A visitation will be held at Kingwood Funeral Home, located at 22800 Highway 59 North, Kingwood, TX 77339, on November 1, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Following the visitation, a Celebration of Life will take place at 2:00 pm with a catered reception to follow.

A graveside memorial will be held at Ross Cemetery, US-283, Baird, TX 79504 in Baird, Texas on Monday, November 3rd at 3:00 PM.

Please wear green or blue in celebration of Jade’s life.