Lawrence (Larry) Oliver Kelley, 86, of Troutville, was born in Pickens, S.C., on April 6, 1940 to the late Oliver Kelley and Emroy Simmons Kelley. He died peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
He was preceded in death by his late wife, Cynthia Butts Kelley; sister-in-law, Lorraine Kelley; and niece, Star Kelley. He is survived by his wife, Lillian Lee Kelley; sisters, Miriam Hendricks, Marie Edwards and husband, Frank; brother, James Kelley; his son, Mitchell Scott Kelley and wife, Sherian; niece, Krista Edwards; and nephews, John Kelley and wife, Autumn, Tim Hendricks and wife, Geri, Mark Hendricks and wife, Amy, and Jeff Hendricks and wife, Sonya; and several great-nephews. Larry was a member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. Larry will be greatly missed by family and friends.
Larry graduated from Clemson in 1962 with a B.S. in Forestry. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army. He later earned a Master’s Degree from Arizona State University in Engineering. While in the Army, he served two tours in Vietnam. He resigned from the Army as a Major. He then relocated to Reston, Va., and worked at the Pentagon. He retired from the Pentagon in 1995 after working there more than 30 years.
After his retirement, he became a commercial beekeeper, having learned bee keeping while growing up. He was a very successful beekeeper and was an active member of the American Beekeepers Federation. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting and traveling. He was an avid gardener. He enjoyed meeting new people and developing relationships. He maintained long-term relationships with people he met through bee keeping. He enjoyed helping people get started in bee keeping.
There will be a Military Service at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements by Oakey’s East Chapel and Crematory, 540-977-3909.
