Stephen Eugene Kelley

Stephen E. Kelley, age 83, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 25, 2019 surrounded by his family. He was born on November 11, 1936 in Brooker, Florida, the youngest of 13 children to Rosa Etta and Charles S. Kelley. He graduated from Bradford High School and proudly served in the United States Navy for 4 years. On November 27, 1958, he married Maxine Andrews of New River, Florida. Stephen and Maxine were blessed with almost 61 full years of marriage and raised two daughters and six grandchildren who they adored. Stephen worked in the automotive industry for over 35 years starting at Riverside Chevrolet, moving onto the Gordon Thompson dealership and then retiring from Jerry Hamm Chevrolet. He carried his roots from Brooker with him throughout his life always enjoying hunting, fishing, spending time with his family, actively serving in his church and caring for his amazing yard!

Stephen is survived by his wife, Maxine; daughter, Stephanie Coley and her husband Steve, and their 3 children Jacob, Caroline, and Hannah. Also survived by daughter, Kristi Payne and her husband Dan, and their 3 daughters Kelley, Leyton and Savannah. Stephen has one sister living, Louise Harris of Inverness, Florida and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his siblings Ruby, Cliff, Theo, Lavan, baby Buddy, Lietha, Odessa, Owen, L.C., Ailene and Arthur.

Services will be held Monday, December 2, 2019, 10:30am at St. Johns Presbyterian Church, 4275 Herschel St, Jacksonville, FL 32210. Luncheon immediately following the ceremony. Graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm, the same day, at New River Baptist Church, 16703 SW 144th Ave, Brooker, FL 32622. Fellowship with friends and family immediately following.

Flowers or donations to St. Johns Presbyterian Church or Community Hospice of Jacksonville can be sent to HARDAGE-GIDDENS MANDARIN, 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32223.