Charles Edward Kelley Jr., 58, passed away on October 1, 2026. Born November 29, 1967, Charles lived in Sylacauga, Alabama, where his steady presence and generous spirit became a quiet comfort to many.
To those who knew him best, he was “PeeWee”, a name spoken with familiarity and affection, the kind given only to someone who has long since earned a place in the everyday lives of others. PeeWee was beloved not for grand displays, but for the simple, faithful ways he showed up: with capable hands, a willing heart, and a kindness that asked for nothing in return.
A hard-working man through and through, Charles built his days around honest labor and the pride of doing a job well. He worked as a machinist and had also worked as a contract painter. Over the years, he was employed with Wal-Mart and Madix, Inc., and he had just celebrated one year with Blue Bell Creameries in Sylacauga, still moving forward, still providing, still staying busy in the way that came naturally to him.
Charles' love for family ran deep. He loved his kids and grandkids, and some of his happiest moments were the ones that gathered everyone close, especially when he was grilling steaks for the family. He is survived by his wife, Miranda Kelley; his sons, John Leslie Kelley, Kolby Dail Kelley, and Robert Charles Kelley; his daughter, Charity Lynn Kelley; his sister, Jenny Kelley; and 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Leslie Jacks, and his mother, Zora Faye Jacks, his brother, Bud Jacks, and sister, Shirley Gray.
Charles found peace in the outdoors and joy in staying busy, hunting, fishing, riding his motorcycle, vacationing at the beach, and watching the stars when the world finally grew quiet. Yet even in the midst of his own full life, he remained a helper at heart, always looking out for others. He checked on neighbors, took food, and helped take out the garbage for an elderly neighbor. He even treated the neighbor children to his dog Fiona’s birthday party, something they had never experienced before, because to him, kindness was meant to be shared, and everyone deserved a moment that felt like celebration.
Visitation will be held at Radney-Smith Funeral Home, 320 North Elm Avenue, Sylacauga, Alabama 35150, on October 5, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A graveside service will be held at Weogufka First Baptist Church Cemetery, 18762 Coosa Co Rd 29, Weogufka, AL, on October 6, 2026, at 2:00 pm.
Charles will be missed, deeply and daily. And in the quiet spaces where the future was supposed to unfold, there is the tender ache of what was hoped for: missing growing old together with Miranda.
