“Kelly” moved to the Southwest Louisiana area over 50 years ago and began working in the oilfield industry as a welder. He was not only a hard worker; his “job” was his life. In the early 1970s he started his own business, Carlyss Welding and Construction, which he owned and operated for over 45 years. He loved hunting and fishing. Kelly also found time to be involved in the community and also served as an officer on the Ward 7 Fire department Board.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 34 years, Susan Watkins Kelly; three children, Debra Salter and husband Mark of Katy, Texas, Sandra Kelly of Carlyss, and Raymond Kelly Vinton; eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; sister, Dorothy Ward and husband Ken; brother, Curtis Kelly; sister–in-law, Carolyn Ford; and nephew, Joey Childers and wife Tracy.
He was preceded in death by his son, Bryan Kelly; siblings, Maureen Chandler, Doris Riley, Delbert Kelly and Rose Ann Kelly.
Visitation will be held 4 – 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, in Hixson Funeral Home of Vinton.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhome.com.