George Edward Kelly

Roseboro

George Edward Kelly, a proud veteran of the United States Army, passed away December 29,2022 peacefully with his loving family by his side.

The son of Floyd and Mildred Kelly, George grew up in Fulton, New York. He was born June 12th 1931, In Fulton, New York and attended Fulton Schools.

Upon leaving high school in 1949, George enlisted in the US Army Airborne Division and was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. He served in the Army from 1949 until 1978.  He valued this service highly and attained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. During his years of service, he completed tours in Germany, Korea and 2 tours of Vietnam, along with many other duty stations. He was a helicopter and fixed wing pilot and instructor.  During his years of service, George received numerous commendations including the Bronze Star.   After 30 years of military service, he retired at Fort Bragg, NC in 1978.

George married Elizabeth Averett of Salemburg, NC on December 31, 1953.  Though serving his country was a great love, his greatest accomplishments was marrying the love of his life, Elizabeth, and raising his four children.

He was a member of the Salemburg Baptist Church for many years.

He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his loving wife of 55 years.  He was also preceded in death by his grandson, Christopher Keen from Starlight, NC, sister Mary Ellen, and brother, Floyd Kelly, Jr of Fulton, NY.

George is survived by his children, George Edward Kelly II and wife Debi, Sheri Kelly Smith and husband JoePop, Debbie Kelly Keen and husband Pete, and Daniel Wesley Kelly and wife Angie.  Surviving sisters are Barbara Kelly Lighthall and husband Ed and Sandra Kelly LaRock and husband Bob.  Surviving grandchildren, are Casey Smith Malone, Joseph Brian Smith, Jr., Caroline Keen, Kelly Grace Keen, Lindsay Kelly, Hannah Kelly, Danielle Melo, Jen Pryor, Casey Tomesch, Matt Brown.  Great grandchildren, Addison and Davis Malone, Taylor Rogister, Matthew and Macey Tomesch, Cassady, Maddie, and Easton Pryor, and Fletcher, Walker, and Parker Brown, and many nephews and nieces.

Following his retirement from the Army, George worked at the NC Justice Academy and started a landscaping business.  He enjoyed traveling with his wife, working in his yard, and especially spending time with his grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at Salemburg Baptist Church with Rev. Andrew Bolin and Rev. Bobby Tew officiating.  Burial with military honors will follow at the Sunrise Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 10:00 – 10:50 AM at Salemburg Baptist Church prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Salemburg Baptist Church, 300 N. main Street, Salemburg, NC  28385.

Services entrusted to Butler Funeral Home, 401 W. Roseboro Street, Roseboro, NC  28382.