Hubert Kerney Kelley

Hubert “Hugh” Kerney Kelley, 86, of Satsuma, Alabama, passed away on August 4, 2026, at Mobile Infirmary. Born July 22, 1940, in Waynesboro, Mississippi, he was the son of Henry Kerney Kelley and Roberta Nichelson Kelley. Graduate of Mississippi College, attended USA. Hugh, Martial Arts Grand Master, was a lifelong martial artist (earned Black Belts in many Martial Arts/Ways styles; Shihan, Mobile Karate Club; IKMA Representative; 1st non-Japanese Promoted to Rank of Hachi Dan), who began training in 1950 (one of the first Caucasians to train and live in the Dojo in Japan) and ultimately earned the rank of Ju Dan, 10th Dan, Hanshi. He founded UMAAI and led several creative and business ventures, including Hugh Kelley Productions, 1st AmeriProductions, and Dragon Phoenix Holding. He worked as a writer, fight choreographer ("Godfather of 'Cage' fighting) and actor, producing films such as Cage (1989), Cage II (1994), Warriors of Virtue (1997), and numerous TV shows. Authored “Pinocchio in the Hood” (1st Place Winner, Hollywood Book Festival); Butterflies & Toads (2013); and numerous Martial Arts Handbooks. Honors: Soke Award; numerous local and world-wide Heroism Awards; Who’s Who in Karate; Martial Arts Master Hall of Fame; Southern Black Belt Hall of Fame. Hugh is survived by his devoted wife, Sharon Stevenson‑Kelley; his children, Ketrick Tyler, Kristy Heather; granddaughters, Kirstie May and Hannah Amaris; extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Leebert “Larry” Kelley, and his son William Kevin Kelley. A man of Baptist faith, Hugh will be remembered for his discipline, creativity, and the many lives he touched through martial arts and the arts. A "Celebration of Life" will be announced at a later date (livestream for those unable to attend).