Gene McKenzie Kelly, M.D, was born in Augusta, Georgia, on January 3, 1933, the son of Ada McNeill and Alexander Rennie Kelly. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Janet McLaughlin Kelly, formerly of Chattanooga, Tennessee; their son, Gene M. Kelly, Jr., and his wife, Peggy, of Atlanta; their daughter, Margaret, and her husband, Sam Krhut, of Nashville and son, Alex, of Mobile; their daughter in Macon, Tricia Cantwell, and her husband, Terry; her three sons; McKenzie Clayton, and his wife, Amanda, of Huntsville, Harris Clayton and his wife, Natalie, of Atlanta, and Morgan Clayton and his wife, Mallory, and two children; Scarlett and Bennett, of Birmingham, and their daughter, Marion Tims and her husband, Mickey, of Canton, Georgia, and their two daughters; Janet, of Canton, and Kelly of Athens, GA; his sisters-in-law; Susan McLaughlin, of Murfreesboro, TN and Gwenn McLaughlin, of Chattanooga; and many special nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents; and siblings; Alexander Kelly, Gordon Kelly, Glenn Kelly, and Anne Smith.
While living in Augusta, Gene attended Monte Sano Grammar school, the Academy of Richmond County, and the “Junior College” of Augusta. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Georgia in 1954 where he was a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. He followed his three older brothers to the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta where he earned a Doctor of Medicine degree in 1957. Following his graduation from the Medical College, he completed a rotating internship at the Macon City Hospital in Macon, GA, then returned to Augusta to complete his residency in anesthesiology at the Talmadge Memorial Hospital in 1960.
Following his residency, he moved to Macon where he became a partner of Anesthesia Associates of Macon and engaged in the private practice of anesthesia for thirty-three years until his retirement in 1993. He was a member of the American Board of Anesthesiology. During his practice, Dr. Kelly held staff privileges at the Macon Hospital, the Middle Georgia Hospital, Parkview Hospital, the Medical Center of Central Georgia, the Riverside Clinic, and the Coliseum Park Hospital where he served as a member of the Board of Trustees. He was a member of the Bibb County Medical Society, the American Society of Anesthesiology, the American Medical Association, and the Medical Association of Georgia.
Dr. Kelly was a member of Northminster Presbyterian Church where he served on the Church Session, as a Trustee, and as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. For many years he served as a pro bono dishwasher for Northminster.
In the later years of his life, Dr. Kelly developed his drawing and painting skills which have been ongoing. He was one of the founding members of the “MAD and Friends” group of artists in Macon. He was a member of the Middle Georgia Art Association and exhibited his art in the galleries of Macon.
Dr. Kelly was beloved by all. He was known for his humility, kindness, and courtesy, as well as his acceptance of all people. To his children and grandchildren, he was known as the great encourager. His greatest gift to them was his constant love and presence.
His family would like to thank his personal companions for the last six months, Doris Prater, Alice Densley, and Thelma Mallory for their faithful service, as well as the entire staff of Carlyle Place who have been outstanding in their care for Dr. Kelly and his wife, Janet, who lives there at Harrington House.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 2, 2022 at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 565 Wimbish Road. Masks will be required. The family will greet friends following the service at the church. Please make any memorial gifts to Loaves & Fishes Ministry of Macon or Thornwell Home for Children.
Visit www.snowsmacon.com to express tributes.
Snow’s Memorial Chapel Bass Road has charge of the arrangements.
