Charles Ray Kelly

Charles Ray Kelly, age 84, passed away on December 28, 2017. He was predeceased by his mother and father, Ike & Elsie Kelly, and a sister, Elois Viverette.  He is survived by his wife, Kerry; son, Michael; daughter, Karen; sisters Helen & Nita Faye; brother, Webb; grandchildren, Jared, Jordan, and Julie; great grandchildren, Landon & Braydon; and his little furbaby, Gracie. Charles was born in Neshoba, Mississippi on June 25, 1933.  He attended East Central Junior College in Decatur, Mississippi for two years.  He was then drafted into the Army where he served honorably from 1955 until February 14, 1957. Charles came to Birmingham with a friend, met Kerry at a local skating rink on March 12, 1957.  They were married in August of 1957 and have loved each other for over 60 years – a true love story. He had the most kind, gentle, unselfish, and generous heart.  He loved keeping up with politics and would talk your ear off, if you let him.  He was a quiet man, (unless you were talking politics) but had a sense of humor you had to experience to appreciate.  He loved God and read his Bible daily without fail. The family was tremendously blessed to have one last Christmas together.  God’s timing is always perfect. Charles suffered from COPD for several years, but his health had declined even more just recently.  He had told Kerry numerous times that he was so tired, and that he knew God had a better place for him.  And he is there now, rejoicing and singing with the saints. A Visitation was held Saturday, December 30, 2017 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., with funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m. , both held at Charter Funeral  Home.  Burial will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Maylene, AL.