Donald Ray Kelley :: Russell Haven of Rest

Donald Ray Kelley, 70

Donald Ray Kelley, 70 of Middleburg, FL passed away Tuesday, February 18, 2020. Mr. Kelley was born in Missouri and moved to Jacksonville while he was in high school. He attended college before entering and serving in the US Army. After discharge, Donald worked in car dealerships and was co-owner of Cars and Credit in Jacksonville. He enjoyed fishing and playing golf and will be dearly missed by family and friends.

Mr. Kelley is survived by his wife of 47 years, Kathy Kelley, children, Aaron (Pam) Kelley, Adonica Kelley, Adrian (Robin) Kelley and Ashton Kelley, mother, Noma Kelley, brother, Roger (Sharon) Keathley, sister, Sherri (Dave) Bowden and two grandchildren, Denessa and Zoey.

Funeral Services will be held 1:00 PM Monday, February 24, 2020 in the Chapel of Russell Haven of Rest with Rev. Patrick Martin officiating. Burial will follow in Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery with US Army military honors. Visitation with the family will be from noon-1:00 PM Monday prior to services.

Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRFH.com 904-284-7720

Click to view Mr. Kelley’s memorial video

Larry Waters

There was a time way back in the 60’s when Donald and I were best friends. Met at church if you can believe that. We did almost everything together. Pumped gas at his dad’s Gulf station, played church ball, cruised Main street til all hours of the night, both had Mopar hot rods but not before I just had the Corvair. Had some great times while attending Ribault High School and spent graduation night at the jetties. Worked at Winn Dixie together. We also had mutual friends like Pat Knezevich and Charles Porter. Went to the Daytona 500 in Pat’s old Chevy and Thunderbolt raceway to watch the drags.
We got kind of split up when he went to Jones Business College and I went to FJC. I joined the military in 1969, but he said they were going to have to draft him. They did. Spent some time at his BP station on Lem Turner after we got back from Southeast Asia in 1972. I have lived in Utah for over 40 years so we hadn’t actually got back together until he and Kathy came to the Ribault 50th reunion and then the 70th birthday party, where I realized he had some serious health issues. I’m glad we got together again, if only for a short time. Pat & I have some great memories that will last forever. At least now he can rest in peace, thank God.