It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kelly Stutts, who departed this world on October 12th, 2026, after bravely facing a long battle with cancer. Born on June 1st, 1964, in Lexington, NC, Kelly’s life was a tapestry of love, laughter, and the joy of family and friends. Kelly was surrounded by love and family during his final moments, a testament to the deep connections he forged throughout his life.
The beloved son of Olive Coppley Stutts and the late Richard Neil Stutts. Kelly was a cherished brother to Jeff Stutts. He was a devoted father to his three daughters, Jessie Stutts-Hicks, Kayla Stutts, and Emilie Stutts, and a loving father-in-law to Micah Hicks. His pride and joy, grandson Sawyer Hicks, brought immense happiness and fulfillment to Kelly’s life.
Kelly’s journey began in Lexington, where he graduated from Central Davison High School. Soon after, he served his country with distinction in the US Army, 1st Armored Division from 1982 – 1985. Kelly’s dedication to service was a hallmark of his character, and he carried that spirit into his civilian life.
A gifted chef and pit master, Kelly owned a BBQ restaurant in Lexington, NC, where his culinary creations brought people together in the spirit of community and friendship. Kelly’s kitchen was always a place of gathering, warmth, and delicious aromas, as he believed that sharing food was a true expression of love.
Kelly was an active member of the First Baptist Church, where he inspired the youth through activities such as Fishing for Christ and fellowship meals. His steadfast faith and commitment to serving others left a lasting impact on all who knew him. He loved the Lord with all his heart and lived his life with a deep and unwavering faith. His love for God was reflected in the way he lived and the love he shared with others.
Beyond his professional and spiritual pursuits, Kelly was a man of diverse interests. He was an avid fisherman, often spending entire days on the beach with his favorite dog, Bo, seeking the perfect catch, collecting beautiful shells, and enjoying the serenity of nature. His Harley Davidson motorcycle was a treasured part of his life, and he cherished riding it, often taking his children along for adventure-filled rides. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, from woodworking and craftsmanship to baseball and the great outdoors.
Kelly’s stubbornness was well-known, but it was matched by his boundless kindness and generosity. He had an infectious sense of humor, always ready with a joke to brighten someone’s day.
Animals, especially dogs, held a special place in his heart, and his love for them was evident to all. Above all, Kelly’s greatest joy was his family. He deeply cherished the moments spent with his three daughters and grandson, creating lasting memories filled with laughter and love.
A celebration of Kelly’s life will be held on Sunday, October 25th, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Oak Island, located at 4608 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465. A visitation with friends and family will be one hour prior. The family invites all who knew him to join in honoring his legacy of love, laughter, and service. The burial will take place the following day, Monday, October 26, at 12:30 p.m. (please arrive by 12:15 p.m.) at Salisbury National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request that donations be made to The Lung Cancer Research Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Bolivia, NC, whose compassionate care brought comfort to Kelly in his final days.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated team at Lower Care Fear LifeCare and the members of First Baptist Church for their loving support and kindness, which sustained the family through the past few years, especially in recent months.
Kelly’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved him. His spirit will continue to guide us in acts of kindness, generosity, and love, just as he taught us throughout his remarkable life.
