Elbert Dickey Kelly, 81, of Fincastle, passed away Monday, February 20, 2017.
He was a lifelong resident of the Mill Creek Community in Botetourt County. Dickey was born on July 31, 1935 to the late Robert Dickey Kelly Jr. and Martha Stevens Kelly. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Beale Kelly; brother and sister-in-law, Robert Burger and Eunice Reed Kelly; brother, James Ira Kelly.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Carol Ann Owen Kelly, daughter, Ann Kelly Elkins and special friend, John Woods; son, Timothy M. Kelly; precious and much loved grandchildren, Abigail (Abby), Corey, and Skylar (Sky-Bug) Elkins; brother and sister-in-law, Rex Stevens and Gay Sexton Kelly. He is also survived by 7 “Bonus Children” nieces and nephews, Diane Kelly, Reed Kelly, Dora Sprinkel, Terry Gregory, Lisa Kelly, Tony Kelly, and Amy Kelly. Additional survivors include brother-in-law, Barry Owen; sisters-in-law, Cathy Downs and Debbie Owen; and many other family and friends.
A farmer by profession, Dickey also enjoyed many children while he drove a bus for Botetourt County Public Schools and was honored to help bereaved families at Botetourt Funeral Home. He was an active participant in the Young Farmers Association and spent many hours in his wood shop with his brother and best friend, Burger.
A lifelong member of Mill Creek Baptist Church, he served as deacon and in many other capacities. He especially enjoyed mission projects and always looked forward to renewing connections with those he met in inner-city Philadelphia. A highlight for Dickey was a mission trip to Alaska at the age of 80.
The family received friends from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, February 23, at Mill Creek Baptist Church, Fincastle. A celebration of Dickey’s life was held at 11 a.m. Friday, February 24, at Mill Creek Baptist Church. Interment was in Mill Creek Cemetery. Contributions in Dickey’s memory may be made to Mill Creek Cemetery, c/o John Caldwell, 1423 Brughs Mill Road, Fincastle, 24090 or to the Alaska Mission Team, c/o Mill Creek Baptist Church, 11475 Lee Highway, Fincastle. Online condolences may be made at www.botetourtfuneralhome.com
