Eric Kelley

Deacon Eric Maurice Kelley was born August 8, 1961, to the late Wiltha Ren Kelley and Hazel Kelley in Harpersville, AL.

He was also preceded in death by one sister, Cheryl Kelley, and one special cousin, Charissa Davis.

Deacon Kelley was a graduate of Vincent High School, Class of 1979. He continued his education at Alabama A&M University, Huntsville, AL. In 1980, while attending Alabama A&M University, he joined the Fraternity of Pershing Rifles. In 1982, he went on to attend Basic Training at Fort Benning, GA, and joined the U.S. Army Infantry. Following Basic Training, he then went on to Fort Stewart, GA, for two years and Ashaffenburg, Germany, for two years before being honorably discharged in 1986. He made it to the rank of Sergeant (E5). He was employed for over 30 years by Alabama Power (E.C. Gaston Steam Plant, Wilsonville, AL).

He was a life-long member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Harpersville, AL, where he served as deacon and Sunday School teacher. He was also a member of the Northeast District State Laymen.

He loved hunting and fishing. He loved his family, but most of all, he loved being called “Paw-Paw”.

Deacon Kelley entered eternal rest on Monday, December 14, 2020, at his residence in Vincent, AL.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Gussie Kidd Kelley; two sons, Derius Winston of Birmingham, AL, and Rashad Kelley of Vincent, AL; three bonus children, Ardrevian Wallace of Lansing, MI, Jeremy Wallace of Atlanta, GA, and Natysha Threatt of Birmingham, AL; five grandchildren, Kamari, Tristan, Carter, Austin, and JayLeah; mother, Hazel Kelley of Harpersville, AL; two brothers, Brian Kelley of Dallas, TX, and Jason Kelley of Harpersville, AL; four sisters-in-law, Lynette Hamilton and Dorothy Kidd, both of Vincent, AL, Eva (Victor) Matthews and Jacqueline (Mark) Kelow, both of Birmingham, AL; two brothers-in-law, Earnest (Carmen) Kidd and Curtis Kidd, both of Vincent, AL; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many friends.