William Clark "Mike" Kelly Jr

"Mike" Kelly, native of Mobile, Alabama, was born to Corinne Leigh Kelly (1989) and William Clark Kelly, Sr. (1977). He grew up with two sisters, Corinne "Kin" Kelly (McRae, 1987) and Genevieve "Gee" Kelly (Porter, 2011), and a band of cousins who were like brothers to him: Donald "Donnie" Smith, Jr., Norvelle "Gus" Smith, and Norvelle "Leigh" Vaughan. Mike enjoyed a youth of fun and mischief, mostly non-criminal. He attended UMS Preparatory, studied at the Marion Military Institute, and in 1959 graduated from Vanderbilt University. Following Vanderbilt, and a stint with the Merchants' Bank in Mobile, an opportunity in New Orleans began Mike's lifelong career in the welding supply industry. Mike was married three times. His first marriage, to Gail Stilwell, gave him two sons, Charles Stilwell Kelly, and William Clark Kelly III (whose wife Kim Rustad (Kelly), and children Avery Corinne Kelly, Kate Frances Kelly, and William Clark Kelly IV, were a constant source of joy and pride to Mike). It was with his second wife, Elizabeth "Liz" Liebach (Kelly, 2000), that he gained much of the wisdom and maturity that characterized his later years. After returning to Mobile, Mike and Liz had a daughter, Jennifer Leigh Kelly. With Liz he also began what would become a thriving business, L&M Welding Supply, Inc., the fruits of which have provided for three generations of his family. In the last chapter of his life, Mike married Christine Lawley (Kelly), with whom he shared both the close companionship of quiet domesticity, and the many adventures of a curious man whose partial retirement gave him the freedom to travel the country and the world. He also enjoyed the companionship of her children, Nicole Arnold, Matt Benson, and Michael Benson. Like all honest human beings, Mike had his struggles in life; he navigated them with a sharp mind, a dedication to doing right, a heart full of love, and an irrepressible sense of humor. He never hesitated to offer whatever help he could to anyone who he saw could use a hand. His final struggle was with lung cancer. After his diagnosis, his family drew close. In giving their all to support him, they were grateful for the opportunity to enjoy catching up, reminiscing, and hearing and voicing the love and the life they shared with him. That closeness restored many connections which had fallen into the background, reminding us all that love and togetherness are what matter most. Please join us to celebrate Mike's life on Saturday, August 29th at 2:00PM in the Chapel of Pine Crest Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 12:30PM until 2:00PM. Interment will be in Pine Crest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to The Shoulder, a substance abuse treatment center operating by the grace of God since 1988. (251-626-2199 / P.O. Box 7130, Spanish Fort, AL 36577) As Mike said, " Take the help"