Richard Early Kelley, Jr.

Richard (Ricky) Early Kelley, Jr., age 76 passed away on Saturday, December 6, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Early Kelley, Sr. and Joyce F. Kelley (Stockbridge, GA), and sister Sandra Atkinson (Conyers, GA). He is survived by his sister Jewel (Ronald) Kirkus (Conyers, GA) brothers Spencer (Susan) Kelley (Milledgeville, GA) and Kevin (Allison) Kelley (Buckhead, GA) brother-in-law Bud Atkinson (Canton, GA) and many nieces and nephews located around the globe.

A member and deacon of Lithonia First Baptist Church, Ricky loved sharing his joy of music and "corny" jokes with all of his family and friends. He loved visiting nursing homes, hospitals and any other place where he felt people needed to share in his joy. He also loved visiting the Sandwich Factory for Bluegrass night, the Conyers VFW Post and American Legion for karaoke/ bingo as well as, the Whistle Post in Conyers, where he would take his notebook of "corny" jokes, People would gather around just to see just what joke he would tell next. This brought much joy to him as well as those around.

An interesting fact about Ricky is that he passed away in the same hospital as he was born, formerly Crawford Long Hospital and now Emory Midtown Hospital Atlanta.

Ricky will be missed dearly by his family and friends but there is no doubt that he is now celebrating with his Dad, Mom, Sister and friends that have gone on before him.

Funeral services will be held Monday, December 15, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Horis A. Ward Funeral Home Chapel at 376 Fairview Rd., Stockbridge, GA 30281. Visitation will be from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm prior to the service on Monday. Interment will follow in Fairview Memorial Gardens 164 Fairview Road, Stockbridge, GA 30281