Gerald Mitchell Kelley

He was a native of Welsh and had been a resident of Sulphur for the last 50 years. Jerry was a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran and received two Bronze Star Medals and The Vietnam Air Medal for his outstanding meritorious service in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. He retired from E.R.A. Helicopter Company after many years of service as a helicopter pilot. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed the outdoors.

Survivors include his brother, David E. Kelley, II; his sister-in-law, Susan B. Kelley, both of Sulphur; six nieces and two nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph M. Kelley and Amelia B. Kelley; his brother, Manford Kelley; and step-brother, Julius "Sonny" LeBlanc.

A memorial gathering will be held from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, in Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Wounded Warriors Project (www.wounded warriorproject.org) or Paralyzed Veterans of America (www.pva.org). Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.