KELLY, William A. “Bill” - Of Nashville, TN. Died peacefully on November 12, 2018. Born on December 22, 1931 to Ethel Bickham Kelly and John Jospeh Kelly. Preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years Jane Pridemore and brothers Johnny (Sis),James(Thelma) sisters Patricia Jett (Willard) Margret Woolwine (Bob). A dedicated and faithful father of Michael (Cathy), William "Tinker" (Joy), Christopher (Ginger) and Bryan all of Nashville. Grandchildren Megan, Bickham, Clayton, Kendall, Christopher, Benjamin,John, William and Wesley. Who all knew him as "Big" because of his stature, presence and "Big" heart.
He married Jane, the love of his life, on July 12, 1951. Together they raised their four boys in a house full of love, laughter and a few scrapes and bruises. Bill was a tireless and selfless provider for his family. He owned and operated a 500-acre farmin Keysburg, KY in the daytime and at night he worked, ran and eventually owned Jimmy Kelly's Steakhouse. At Jimmy Kelly's he developed many lifetime relationships and was known to generations of Nashvillians. In 1998 he was inducted into the Tennessee Restaurant Associations Hall of Fame. After retiring from the restaurant business he pursued his lifelong passion of Thoroughbred horse racing becoming a owner and breeder. The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association named him the 2000 TN Outstanding Breeder of the year. In 2001 he campaigned his favorite horse Bonnie Scot in pursuit of the triple crown, winning the John Battaglia Memorial and The Presidents Stakes races. He was a passionate sportsman. His children and devoted friends spent many memorable days afield, walking behind spirited pointers, sharing hot coffee and a good joke in a cold duck blind and crappie fishing on Birdsong Creek. Bill was devoted to Christ and the Catholic Church and was a daily fixture at Mary Queen of Angels.
Visitation will be at Jimmy Kelly’s Steakhouse on Wednesday November 14th from 4:00 until 7:00. The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated Friday at 11:00 a.m. by The Reverend Joseph Patrick Breen celebrant at Cathedral of the Incarnation with visitation one hour before the service. Pallbearers: Grandsons. Honorary Pallbearers:Johnny Lumpkin, David Rawlings , Rodger Anderson, Jim Latendresse, Fred Lee, Joe Shaw, John Hobbs, Joe Maddox, Blanton Smith and James Kelly. Special thanks to Adoration Home Health Care ,Brookdale Belle Meade, and Mary Queen of Angles. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Tailored for Education (P.O. Box 171236 Boston, MA 02117) Visit MarshallDonnellyCombs.com 615-327-1111
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