Walter Kelly Jr.

Walter Kelly, Jr., son of the late Walter Kelly, Sr., and Irene E. Dove, was born on October 5th, 1937, in Augusta, Georgia. He was affectionally known as “Pete” or “Walt” to his family and friends.

A beloved husband, devoted father, caring grandfather and faithful friend, Walt succumbed to his battle with congestive heart failure and departed this earth on Thursday, July 18, 2019. Walt lived a life dedicated to family, education, and the United States Marine Corps.

Walt spent a total of 40 years in both Federal and Active Service to our nation. He served twenty-two years in the United States Marine Corps from April 7, 1957 to May 22, 1979 and ascended to the rank of Master Sergeant. His tours of assignments were both stateside and overseas to bases such as Okinawa, Japan; San Diego, California; and the United States Marine Corps Headquarters in Quantico, Virginia. His military awards and decorations include the Navy Achievement with Valor; USMC Good Conduct Medal (7); National Defense Meritorious Medal; Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation; the Armed Forces Gallantry Cross with Palm; and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. In 1978, Walt was recognized by the United States Marine Corps leadership as the first African American Enlisted Marine to receive a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in his personal time from Golden Gate University in San Francisco, California.

Upon retirement from active duty, Walt spent eighteen years of service with the Defense Finance and Accounting Office (DFAS), and also selflessly volunteered his time in an exemplary manner with numerous Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and clubs, ultimately making a profound impact in his surrounding community of Orlando, Florida. The VSOs and organizations most beloved to Walt’s heart were: National Association of Black Accountants (NABA); Blacks in Government (BIG); National Black MBA Association; Central Florida Association of Black Journalists and Broadcasters (CFABJB); YMCA Black Achievers; Caribbean and Floridian Association (CAFA); Retired Airforce, Marine, Army, Navy Club (RAFMAN); Fleet Reserve Association (FRA); Disabled American Veterans (DAV); The American Legion; American Veterans (AMVETS); and National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

To cherish his memory, Walt leaves behind his wife, Gladys D. Kelly; son Bryan J. Kelly; daughter Colonel Sophie (Kelly) Gainey and husband Colonel Andrew C. Gainey; grandchildren Brooke, Princess and Chanele; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives along with countless friends.

Walt was humble, just, spiritual, full of humanity and compassion. He will now assume his position as one of heaven’s angels while experiencing the God given gift of everlasting life.