J.R. Kelley (7-22-10) services 7-25-10

Cecil "J.R." Kelley was born in Flint, Mich., on Aug. 2, 1938, the son of the late Cecil B. and Rose Kathreen Redman Kelley. On Dec. 29, 1989, he was united in marriage to Mary Hawkins, who survives.

Mr. Kelley was a plumber employed at Clayton Homes in Savannah. He had also worked for General Motors Corporation in Flint, Mich. He was licensed to minister the gospel, and enjoyed playing his guitar and singing.

In addition to Jackson, Tenn., he had also resided in Flint, Mich. and Sheffield, Ala.

Mr. Kelley departed this life at his residence in Jackson, Tenn., on Thursday July 22, at the age of 71 years, 11 months, and 20 days.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters: Anne Marie Elbers of Saginaw, Mich., and Kimberly Morales of Jackson, Tenn.; three sons: Jimmy Kelley of Flint, Mich.; Cory Kelley of Farmville, Va.; and Bobby Kelley of Jackson, Tenn.; two step-daughters, Kimberly Qualls of Savannah and Jennifer Taylor of Crump; two step-sons, Michael Benson and Mark Benson, both of Savannah; a brother, Robert Kelley of Savannah; and three sisters, Rosemary Vandriver of Moulton, Ala.; Goldie Eaton of Centerville, Tenn.; and Lillian Eaton of Flint, Mich.; 13 grandchildren, Kelsey, Tyler, Faith, Kyle, Michael, Brittany, Leonardo, Oscar, Joseph, Autumn, Cory Jr., Megan and Payton, and two great-grandchildren, Jazmeen and Mariah.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Charles "Chucky" Kelley; a grandchild, Faith Leanne Qualls; and a great-grandchild, Diamond James Kelley.

Services were held on Sunday, July 25, at 3:30 p.m., at Souls’ Harbour Church in Savannah with Rannie Moore officiating. Burial was in the Memory Gardens at Savannah.