Rev. Timothy "Tim" Lavelle Kelly

Tim was born on April 22nd, 1963, in Monticello, Mississippi, to Rev. A.L and Jane Kelly. His father Rev. A.L. Kelly preceded him in death.

At the young age of 18 years old, he accepted the call of ministry and began full time evangelism in Louisiana and Mississippi. He served as a Church of God state evangelist for Louisiana before moving to Georgia in 1985, where he then served as youth pastor in Albany, Tifton, and Griffin, Georgia. He later became senior pastor at Gateway Fellowship Church of God in Macon, Georgia, where he served his congregation and the community for 27 years. While in Macon, he also served the surrounding Church of God churches and pastors as the district overseer. Throughout his years of full time ministry, he served countless terms on the North Georgia Church of God State Youth Board, Evangelism Board, and State Council.

He was a loving father, devoted husband, caring son, and one proud “Papa.” Tim was a friend to everyone he met, knowing no strangers. To know Tim was to love him. He was the life of the party, always the jokester. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, hunting, and golfing, but most importantly being with his family. The biggest smile on his face was when he was with Elyse and Corbin in his “Papa role”. He was known for his kindness, compassionate disposition, and generosity.

Survivors include the love of his life for 36 years, Melissa Kelly, son Jarred Kelly (Hannah) of Macon, Georgia, daughter Rebekah Kelly McLendon (Chase) of Jacksonville, Florida, the two that made him the greatest “Papa” in the world: Elyse Kelly and Corbin Kelly, sister Tammie Kelly, and her son Taylor (Libby), of Macon, Georgia, mother Jane Kelly of Byron, Georgia, many in-laws, nieces and nephews, and a tremendous host of friends.

The Celebration of Life will be at 2:00pm Saturday, March 6, 2021, at Rock Springs Church, 219 Rock Springs Rd. Milner, Georgia, 30257. Covid-19 restrictions will be observed, including social distancing and required masks. Reserved seating will be available for Tim's former staff and healthcare workers. A private burial will be attended by immediate family only, on Friday. Flowers may be sent or delivered to Macon Memorial Park, 3969 Mercer University Drive, Macon, Georgia, 31204. Services will be live streamed, available at www.facebook.com/MaconMemorialPark beginning approximately 10 minutes prior to the hour of service.

Visit www.maconmp.com to express condolences.

Arrangements entrusted to Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness... 2 Timothy 4: 7-8