Obituary of Charles Kelley Jr.

Charles Kelley, Jr. age 105, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at his home in Zion, IL, surrounded by his loving family. Charles was born May 21, 1917 in Moorhead, Mississippi–The second of five children shared between Charles Asberry Kelley, Sr. and Rosie Lee (Haddock) Kelley.  

To many, Charles Kelley, Jr. was known as a World War II US Navy veteran–Pearl Harbor survivor, an entrepreneur, and family man with an affinity for fishing, gardening, ranching, and a hot cup of coffee. But to those who loved him, Charles was known as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather,  mentor, teacher, adventurer, storyteller, friend, and most importantly, a man of God. In his devotion to the Lord, Charles made it a point to raise his children to honor the Lord their God. And when he became a grandfather, he was there encouraging his grandchildren in their faith as well. Charles was known and loved across many congregations: Christian Catholic Church, Calvary Temple, Monroe Bible Church, The Point Church, and Spencer Lake Intertribal Family Camp to name a few. Endearing, brave, chivalrous, disciplined, trustworthy, intelligent, witty, and steadfast–This was Charles Kelley, Jr. 

Charles is survived by his children: Lynda (Byron) Grassnickle, Michael (Bobbi Jo) Kelley, Ronald Kelley, Timothy Kelley, Teresa Kelley, Darin (Cynde) Kelley, and Carla Beth Kelley; Grandchildren: Kelley Clark, Justin Clark, Kristoffer Kelley, Andrew Peterson, Tyeson (Tammi) Kelley, Robbie Dickerson, Jennifer Kelley, Sarina (Nate) Albright, Justin Kelley, Mia Kelley, Myles Eason, Jason Kelley, Brandon Kelley, Michael Kelley, Ashlie (Jordan) Ladow, Bryon (Sarah) Grassnickle, Evoanna (Giovanni) Vargas, Natasha Kelley, Zachary Grassnickle, Evelina (Jonathan) Coulthard, Broc Kelley, Dakota Kelley, Daniel Kelley, Laluh Kelley, Shyanna Kelley, Alanna (Dontay) Kelley, Carlo Wilson-Kelley, and Shanoah Disrud-Kelley. Charles is also survived by many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, other beloved relatives and friends. Charles is predeceased by his wife: Ruth Mary Kelley, grandchild: Arien Torey Peterson, his parents, and his siblings: Josephine, Ernest, Grover, and Rosetta. 

Charles’ visitation will transpire on Thursday, July 07, 2022 at 9:00 AM for family and at 10:00 AM for the public at The Point Church: 900 Lewis Ave, Winthrop Harbor, IL 60096. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM with Pastor Dan Krahenbuhl officiating. Burial will transpire at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park, Zion, IL, following the funeral service. 

My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths. When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble.   Proverbs 4:10-12 (NLT)