Ernest "Pete" Murray Kelley Jr.

KELLEY, Ernest M. Jr. "Pete," age 83, died peacefully on July 25, 2016. Pete was born November 9, 1932, the son of Ernest M. Kelley Sr. and Annie Barnes Kelley. Pete was born and raised in Richmond, Va. After high school, Pete enlisted in the Navy serving on the USS Gilbert Islands, where he very much enjoyed his service to our country. After his service, he returned to Richmond completing his education and starting work with the Virginia State Highway Department. It was there in 1955 that Pete met Mary Lee Crump with whom he soon fell in love and later married in 1956. The Kelley family then grew with the arrival of their three sons. Pete left the highway department and took a position with Seaboard Air Line railroad. Pete's position with railroad eventually resulted in the family's relocation to Jacksonville, Fla., in 1967. There the Kelley family found many new friends and established a new homefront. After Pete's retirement from the railroad, he took on new activities such as volunteering at St. Luke's Hospital. Throughout his life, Pete loved to bowl and golf. More than anything, Pete loved Mary Lee, whom he now rejoins in Heaven. Pete is survived by his three sons, David (Peggy) of Fleming Island, Fla., Jeffrey (Annette) of San Jose, Calif. and Paul (MaryAnn) of Tallahassee, Fla.; six awesome grandchildren, other relatives and friends. While Pete's passing leaves a deep void in our hearts, he leaves us with many special memories of the wonderful person we will always remember. We are glad to know that he has finally rejoined Mary Lee, whom he had terribly missed the past two years. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 31, 2016, at Nelsen Funeral Home Richmond Chapel, 4650 S. Laburnum Ave., Richmond, Va. 23231. The funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. on Monday, August 1, 2016, at Nelsen Funeral Home Richmond Chapel, 4650 S. Laburnum Ave., Richmond, Va. 23231, followed by interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery.