David "Kelly" Milton Kelly

David “Kelly” Milton Kelly

David Milton Kelly peacefully went home to be with the Lord and with his precious wife, Emily Bowen Kelly, on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 at the age of 91.  David, affectionately known as “Kelly,” was born on Tuesday, November 8, 1927 in Bellevue, Pennsylvania to the late Allan and Florence Kelly.  In addition to his parents and wife, Kelly is preceded in death by his older brothers: Allan Kelly, Jr. and Ellsworth Kelly.

Kelly and Emily, married 52 years, are together again laughing.   He joins his son who preceded him in death, Gary Phillip.  He is survived by his three children: Linda and her husband, Robert, Michael and his wife, Janet, Patricia and her husband, John, whom he always considered his son; his two loving sister-in-laws: Mary Howard and her husband, John Gray Blount, Josephine and her husband, IB Paul; six grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; four nieces; and one nephew, Lawrence.

Growing up in Oradell, New Jersey, he graduated from Park Ridge High School as part of the class of 1945.  Kelly received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Maryland and spent his life in the dairy industry with De Laval Company before retiring to Emily's hometown of Washington, NC in 1988.

Kelly enlisted in the United States Navy from 1946 to 1947 serving as a Pharmacist Mate Third Class and receiving a victory medal.  He served in Bethesda, Maryland at the United States Naval Hospital.  Teary-eyed he would later say we were “putting all our fine men who protected and served our great country back together again.”  He was always a conservative and patriot in his heart.

“Sales” was Kelly’s gift with endless salesman of the year awards.  Everywhere he went people were his friends.  The strong handshake and sparkle in his eyes made you remember Kelly for life.  He was steadfast in his convictions, curious, mischievous, and an entertaining storyteller.  No other place on earth created more peace for Kelly than when he spent time on his boat especially with his dear friend, Bob Davidson.  The excuse of a cup of coffee to talk or work on a boat was a “must” in life.  Service organizations, church, the choir, and sailing became his retirement package.  Kelly served the Lord in many duties and grew in God’s word and peace.

Kelly is now with his heavenly father and biological father both of whom he loved and honored.  He is singing songs of joy with his beautiful voice having passed on from the tears of this world.

"And I pray that you and all God’s holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love."  -- E phesians 3:18

All are welcome to join Kelly’s family at his celebration of life on Monday, April 8, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at The First Presbyterian Church, 211 West 2nd Street, Washington, NC 27889; with Lee Kinney officiating.  Kelly’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of visitation immediately following the service.  A private military service will be held at Oakdale Cemetery in Washington, NC.  Cremation was private.

Contributions in celebration of Kelly’s life can be made to The First Presbyterian Church, 211 West 2nd Street, Washington, NC 27889, www.FPCWashington.org or to Sovereign Grace Church, 111 West Greentree Road, Marlton, NJ 08053, www.SovGraceNJ.org/Give.

Kelly’s family has entrusted his care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Kelly’s full obituary, view his memorial video, and sign his official guest book at Buhrig.com.