R.V. Kelly was born in Butler, Alabama, to parents Rozier Velt Kelly Sr. and Ruby Kelly, on September 10, 1942. He entered into eternal rest on January 19, 2021. R.V. and his family moved to Texas when he was still a child, he was always a family man, even when he was young. R.V. left school early to help provide for his family through hard times. He met and married Betty Ann Gatlin and together they had four sons but lost the youngest to illness a short time after birth. R.V. worked primarily in the grocery business throughout his career, early on he was a butcher by trade and eventually began working in the grocery supply business until he retired in 2005. R.V. remarried in 1980 to JoAnn Autrey and gained a new son and blended their families together. Several years later they moved to Mabank, Texas to be closer to JoAnn’s family. R.V. made friends quickly and was known for hosting get-togethers, Bar-B-Q’s and fish fries, which generally involved live music, by some dear and talented friends. He also enjoyed watching westerns, listening to old country music, driving backroads, visiting his friends and fishing any chance he got. He liked fishing off the banks of a lake, pond or a creek, anywhere he might get a bite. R.V. would often share funny stories about his brother-in-law, Gwin Gatlin and his dear friend, Jerry Cannon, Sr. Something that wasn’t well known about R.V. was his charitable heart, he supported many children’s charities over the years and would often help family and friends who needed financial help or a place to live. R.V. was a kind and loving man and loved his family and friends immensely. He was well loved in return and will be truly missed.
R.V. was preceded in death by his father, Rozier Velt Kelly, Sr.; mother, Ruby Kelly Scroggins; wife, JoAnn Kelly and infant son, Kenneth Wade Kelly. He is survived by his brothers, Sid Kelly and wife Judy, Jerry Kelly and wife Barbara, and his sons, Gary Kelly, Ronald Kelly, Ronny Autrey and wife Tonya, Troy Kelly and wife Shelley; as well as 9 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. R.V. also leaves behind other loved ones and a host of really great friends. A special thanks from the family to Jack for his friendship to R.V. He spoke of you often.
