T.L. Kelley

T.L. Kelley, born November 18, 1936, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service, dedication, and deep love for his family.

T.L. was born to Henry Samuel Kelley and Clara Mae Kelley. He grew up alongside his siblings—S.J., Claudette, Otis, Hubert, and Henry—and carried those strong family roots with him throughout his life.

He was welcomed into heaven by his parents; his siblings; his wives, Betty Kelley and Barbara Kelley; and his great-grandson, Aidan Thomas.

He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, where he built a distinguished career marked by commitment and excellence. T.L. rose to the rank of Master Sergeant in 1972 and was awarded numerous honors, including the Air Force Commendation Medal with Second Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal. His service took him across the world, including assignments in Africa, Spain, Canada, and throughout the United States. He retired in 1976 after faithfully serving his country.

The ball field was perhaps T.L.’s favorite place to be. He devoted many years to coaching and umpiring softball, spending decades on the field mentoring players, building relationships, and investing in others. To him, the game was never just about competition—it was about people, connection, and community.

T.L. is survived by his children: Michael Kelley, Kimberley and her husband Jackie Davis, Karen Wright, and Kyla Kelley. He also leaves behind a large and loving family of grandchildren: Tara, Staci, Todd, Brooke, Alex, Kelsey, and Evan, along with 18 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews who carry forward his legacy.

He is also survived by Larry Dedmon, Gordon Albritton and Terry Lovell who were his shenanigan partners with the stories to prove it.

Some of the most cherished memories with T.L. were the simple ones—road trips, long days spent watching and coaching the game he loved, and time spent together as a family. Each summer, the family would travel back to Tennessee, where he grew up—a place that always remained close to his heart.

T.L. Kelley will be remembered for his steady strength, his servant’s heart, and the way he showed up for both his family and his community. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the family he loved so well.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of T.L. Kelley, please visit our floral store.