Olan "Bud" Kelley's Obituary
Funeral Service for Mr. Olan "Bud" Kelley, 85, of Rockford, Alabama, will be Monday, February 26, 2024 at 3:00 pm at Sardis Baptist Church. Rev. Matthew Reams and Roscoe Howell will officiate. Burial will follow in Sardis Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday, February 26, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm at Sardis Baptist Church.
Bud, a cherished father, grandfather, and brother, passed away on February 21, 2024, at the age of 85 in Birmingham, Alabama. Born on April 25, 1938, in Hillwood, Alabama, Bud was a man of warmth, spirit, and devotion, whose smiling presence brightened the lives of all who knew him.
Bud was a proud graduate of Richville High School, where he formed friendships and values that would last a lifetime. Bud was a faithful member of Sardis Baptist Church all his life. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to become the beloved Owner/Operator of Kelley's Crossroads Store for over four decades, where he served his community with dedication. Additionally, he retired from a fruitful career at Kimberly Clark Paper Company, where he was held in high regard by his colleagues.
Family lay at the heart of Bud's world. He is lovingly remembered by his son Tim Kelley and his wife Stephanie, his daughter Vicki Ballard and her husband Robert. He leaves behind a joyful legacy with his cherished grandchildren, Dayna Turner (T.J.), Sawyer Landers (Jordan), Alison Smallwood (Russell), Sydne Schuler (Tripp), and Ashlyn Kelley, as well as his adored great-grandchildren, Robbie Turner, Raylee Smallwood, Waylon Schuler, and Reese Smallwood. His sister, Nita Walker (Bo), will fondly cherish the memories of her brother.
Bud's life was preceded in profound love and respect by his parents, Thurman and Wannie Kelley, his spouse Lucille Kelley, his daughter Sheila Lawhorn, and his brother Lloyd Kelley.
Bud's passions enriched his life and the lives of those around him. An avid fisherman, he found joy on the waters of Alabama, whether on a tranquil pontoon boat ride or casting a line in serene anticipation. The thrill of Alabama Football never failed to rally his spirits, and he spent countless fulfilling hours collecting arrowheads and coins. However, it was his role as "Paw Paw" to his grandchildren that Bud held most dear, enveloping them in the same love and faith that he generously bestowed upon all he met.
Loving, faith-filled, and ever-friendly, Bud's legacy is one of unspoken kindness, everlasting bonds, and a life richly lived. His spirit will continue to be a beacon of love and friendship in the hearts of his family and the community he loved so dearly.
The family will accept flowers or memorials may be made to Sardis Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.
Radney Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Olan "Bud" Kelley.
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