William Kelley

William Charles (Bill) Kelley (age 89) was called home to our Lord Jesus Christ on June 27,

2020. In Heaven he has joined his parents Hoyt and Bessie Kelley as well as his beloved

youngest sister, Barbara Grimes Edwards. He also joins in Heaven his wife of 69 years Pat Kelley who passed away May 28, 2020. He leaves behind an older sister he adored, Elise Ball

Steelman, as well as two beautiful daughters Janna White and Sharon Kelley Hudgins and their

respective husbands and son-in-laws Joel White and Dr. Michael J Hudgins. Bill had six grand

children; Will Hayes, Michael Hayes, Kelley Jo Hayes (deceased), Jack Edward Hudgins, Tamara Hudgins Stillwell, and Jeanie Hudgins Ressler. Bill had two great grand children he loved

dearly: Camilla Banks and River Minor.

Bill was born in Levy, Arkansas in 1930 and later became a track star in Arkansas running in

the 100 and 220 yard competitions. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1948 and served with distinction and honor until 1952. Bill graduated from the University of Arkansas with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. He then joined his “dream job” at Motorola becoming a very successful manager in the commercial mobile radio business serving construction and oil field industries. He

retired from Motorola at the age of 60.

Upon retirement from Motorola Bill joined his wife Pat in her Merle Norman businesses and was

the key in making those Dallas area cosmetic studios the most successful and largest in the

Merle Norman Cosmetic franchisee history. Bill and Pat loved the Merle Norman business and

in fact sold the last of their stores just three years ago at the young age of 86!

Daddy Bill was an unequalled “Gentle Soul”. He will be missed for his compassion for others,

positive attitude about life, and love for his family.

God Bless you Daddy Bill.