Darwyn E. Kelley

On Monday, October 16, 2023, LTC Darwyn E. Kelley, Ret., ARNG, 84, of Deep Creek Road, Dewy Rose, GA was met at the gates of heaven by his devoted wife Barbara who peacefully received her reward a year earlier. 

Mr. Kelley was born on November 27, 1938, in Elberton, GA to J. William (Bill) Kelley and Belle Booth Kelley.  He is survived by his daughters: Teresa Kelley of Myrtle Beach, SC and Robin Kelley of Hull, GA; son, Tim Kelley (Sharon Whitfield) of Dewy Rose, GA; grandchildren: Jaime Whitehead Clardy (Bryan), Nikki Whitehead Trant (Ben), Lacey Phillips Blackwell (Ryan), Cheyenne Kelley, and Shaye Kelley; and great-grandchildren: Cadence Reynolds, Brayden Clardy, Raegan Reynolds, Cooper Clardy, Birdie-Grace Blackwell, and Cohan Trant.  In addition to his parents and wife Barbara Rice Kelley, he is preceded in death by an infant daughter, Melody Delaine Kelley. 

He proudly served in the Army Reserve National Guard until 1991.   After 35 years of service and answering the call to be a recruiter, he retired as LTC Field Artillery USAR with many honors, including the Georgia National Guard Commendation Medal.  In addition to his faithful military service, he was also a retired business owner of Granite City Machine Company.   For recreation, he enjoyed hunting deer and birds, and had a passion for horses.  He was also an avid fan of all sports who never missed an opportunity to play golf with his buddies, watch Atlanta Braves baseball or watch Georgia Bulldogs football.  
Darwyn loved his family immensely and always said he had the most beautiful grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He was a gentle, kind man but most importantly, he had a strong faith and belief in his salvation. The wonderful memories shared with him will forever be carried in the hearts and minds of everyone.  

God guided and provided two caregivers,Tammy Reid and Diana Jones for the last 10 weeks while he was on hospice. The care and love they shared for him was exceptional and will never be forgotten. They will be forever family friends.

Funeral services celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 am, on Wednesday, October 18, at Deep Creek Baptist Church where he was a long time member, with Rev. Eric Buffington officiating. Interment will follow in Deep Creek Baptist Church Cemetery with Donnie Cordell, Bryan Clardy, Ben Trant, Ryan Blackwell, Johnny Chattin, and Sham Parham serving as pallbearers.  Honorary pallbearers will be Wayne Booth, Mike White, Gerald Hewell, and Michael Hewell.  

The family is at the home of Robin Kelley, 374 Kimberly Circle, Hull, GA and will receive friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Tuesday night at Berry Funeral Home. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, https://www.stjude.org or to a favorite charity of ones choice.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com. 

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for LTC Darwyn E. Kelley, Ret., ARNG.