Ernest Lee Kelley Jr.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Leta Mae Maxey, his brother, W.C. Kelley, and his children, Ernest L. Kelley III and Kathleen Elizabeth Kelley.

Ernest is survived by his wife of 68 years, Evelyn Hargrove Kelley, 3 children and their spouses: Christine Ward (John), Mary Joiner (Paul) and James Kelley (Patricia). He is also survived by two sisters, Mary Jane Autrey and Odistene Jones, both of Texarkana. He was the proud grandfather of 8 and had 10 great-grandchildren.

Grandchildren include Susan Ward Xioufaridou (Chris), Alex Ward (Meredith Calvert), Gregory Kelley, Allison Kelley Kelly (Brandon), Brian Kelley (Amanda), Emily Joiner, Katherine Joiner Goldstone (David), and Allen Joiner. Great-grandchildren are Maria and Sophia Xioufaridou and George Xioufarides, Calliope and Tansy Calvert Ward, Jacob and Elizabeth Kelly, McKinley Kelley, Henry and Levi Ernest Goldstone.

Ernest had a wonderful childhood in East Texas in spite of growing up during the depression. At 19, he enlisted in the Texas National Guard and was sent to forts along the Texas-Mexico border as part of the 112th Cavalry. In November 1940, his unit was called to active duty for one year, and before his service ended he had served 3 years in the South Pacific, returning home in 1945. He kept in touch with his many friends from the 112th Cavalry until the end of his life.

He married Evelyn in 1946 and in 1948 returned to active duty in the Army for 15 additional years. Ernest retired in 1963 with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer III. During those years, the family moved frequently for tours in Japan, Germany and several stays at Ft. Benning, GA. Ernest always said that Evelyn deserved stars for her role and support as an Army wife.

After retiring from the Army, Ernest became a very successful Gulf dealer in Austin and San Marcos and finally retired in 1981. He truly enjoyed his retirement and the time he spent with Evelyn at their lake house in Daisy, Arkansas and time with his grandchildren. He also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and the Texas Military Forces Museum at Camp Mabry.

A member of Hyde Park Christian Church since 1961, he especially enjoyed the friendships he made through the Fellowship Class and METS.

A funeral service will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. in the morning on Tuesday September 2, 2014 at Hyde Park Christian Church, 610 East 45th St, Austin, TX 78751.

A graveside service will be held in Hillcrest Memorial Park cemetery in Texarkana, Texas, on Wednesday September 3, 2014 at 11:30a.m. in the morning.

Honorary Pallbearers for Ernest Kelley’s service are his grandsons: Alex Ward, Greg and Brian Kelley, and Allen Joiner and nephews David and Paul Hunter, Elwin Maxey, Mike and Pat Kelley, Kelley Jones, Tony and Gary Autrey and niece Pamela Groff.

Taps will be played at the graveside in Texarkana by Brandon Kelly.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hyde Park Christian Church.