Kelly Lee Rector was born on October 11, 1968, in unity of Sandra Elaine Higley Rector and William C. Rector in Memphis, Tennessee. Kelly was raised in Collierville, Tennessee where he attended public school districts throughout his childhood and young adolescence. He was a resident and honorable citizen of Oakland, Tennessee for 27 years. During that time, Kelly supported the community as an Alderman for the City of Oakland for eight years. Throughout his life as a mechanic, Kelly was a dedicated employee for Schilling of Memphis, Tennessee; Wolfchase – Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Dealership of Bartlett, TN; and Gateway Tire and Service Center for 12 years.
Kelly was an astonishing man to have in one’s life. Devoted father, loyal friend, and intelligent man of all work, Kelly was known as one of a kind. In his spare time, Kelly enjoyed being outdoors - fishing, hunting, and spending quality time with his family and children. He had a passion for many hobbies throughout his time: riding trails at Sugar Creek, out of town weekend retreats, barbeque and chili competitions, tractor pulling and so much more. Always willing to lend a helping hand and words of wisdom, Kelly had a unique, selfless ability to help and care for others. He may have had an abundance of friends; however, those friends were family in his eyes and were held close to his heart.
Kelly peacefully departed from this life Saturday, October 16th, 2021, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. He is survived by his two children, Kaileigh Rhea Rector and William “Kolby” Rector of Fayette County, Tennessee; their mother Kristy Martindale Rector; along with special recognition of someone who loved and cared for him dearly, Melissa Crowe Roberts; siblings, JR Rector (Mykle Rector) and Monica Rainey; nephews, Matthew Rainey and Alex Rector, and niece Krista Rainey. Kelly was preceded in passing by his mother and father, Sandra Elaine Higley Rector and William C. Rector; grandparents, Earl E. Higley and Nida Pamplin, Howard C. Rector and Jessie L. Statum; aunts and uncles, Thelma Pate, Roland Higley, Charles Higley, and Nettie McCummber.
A visitation for Kelly will be on Thursday, October 21, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133. A graveside service will be held Friday, October 22, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralGermantownParkway.com for the Rector family.
