Benjamin Franklin Kelly

He was born on January 25, 1931 to Joe and Maggie Mason Kelly in San Angelo, Texas. He was a lifetime member of Wesley Trinity United Methodist Church. His mother and father, three brothers (Nathanial, Paul, and Fred) and his sister (Josie) preceded him in death.

He graduated from Blackshear High School and attended the University of Illinois before being drafted in the Army. After serving two years he was honorably discharged.

In 1953, he enrolled as the first black student to attend San Angelo College (Now known as Angelo State University). He broke the color barrier in Texas when he became the first black athlete south of the Mason-Dixon Line to play football at an all-white College.

August 25, 1954, he married Alvetta Mae Spurlock, and to this union three children were born.

In 1964 Ben started working as an assistant director of the San Angelo Jaycees Branch Boys Club and later Ben became the Executive Director of both clubs.

January 25, 1994, the new Boys and Girls Club Gymnasium was named in his honor.

January 22, 2014, Ben was inducted into the San Angelo State University Hall of Honor. He was also inducted into Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame on February 15, 2014.

May 1, 2014, Angelo State University renamed the Center of Human Performance in honor of Ben Kelly. A bronze plaque detailing the Ben Kelly story has been placed inside the fitness center so every student will know of the ASU history.

September 12 2014, Michael H. Millegan donated funds for renovation of what is now known as the Ben & Alvetta Kelly Weight Room in the Junell Center/Stephens Arena. Michael H. Millegan also created the Ben & Alvetta Kelly Football Scholarship Endowment, which will annually award a scholarship to a member of the ASU Rams football team.

ASU Head Football Coach Will Wagnor dedicated Saturday’s November 15, 2014 Lone Star Conference Championship win to the memory of Ben Kelly.

He leaves to cherish his memory, a wife Alvetta Kelly, two daughters, Sharon Evonne Rivers of Missouri City, TX, Patricia LaTrelle Thompson of San Angelo, TX, and a son Michael Durand Kelly of San Angelo, TX. Grandson, Andre Lanier Thompson, great granddaughter, Alyssa Thompson both of San Angelo, TX, and a great grandson Kelien Thompson of San Angelo, TX. A brother James A. Kelly and spouse Dessie Kelly of Inglewood, CA, two sisters-in-laws, Bettie Kelly of San Angelo, TX and Bobby Kelly of Clinton, MD. Numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of relatives and friends, including his very special friends, Wylie Webb, Allen Gilbert and Bob Sheriden of San Angelo, Texas, also survive Ben.

The family expresses deep appreciation to Dr. John Stevenson, Park Plaza Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, the nurses, staff members and employees, friends who live at Park Plaza, Hospice of San Angelo, DaVita Dialysis Center and Staff and also a dear friend Mary Jean Lewis.

Open visitation will begin at 12:00 noon on Thursday November 20, 2014 at Johnson’s Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be 11:00 A.M., Saturday November 22, 2014 at The First Baptist Church in San Angelo with Rev. Michael Bell officiating. Interment will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Ben & Alvetta Scholarship Endowment, the Boys & Girls Club of San Angelo, Texas or your favorite charity.

Family and friends may sign an online register book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com.