Michael Edward Kelly

COLUMBIA - Michael Edward Kelly, 71, of Blythewood, SC passed away peacefully hand in hand with his family on the 5th of July 2018. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Barbara Ann Kelly, and their four children: Carolyn Kelly Marchand (Joe) of Columbia, David Michael Kelly (Pam) of Lugoff, Laura Kelly Jones (Rob) of Greenville, Brendon Patrick Kelly (Becca) of Columbia, his faithful dog Bailey. He was known as “Pops” to his grandchildren Luke, Barrett, Cole, Brian, Billy and Rachael.

Michael “Mick” was born in Oak Park, Illinois on September 1, 1946. He was the son of the late Anne Patricia Barrett Kelly and Michael John Kelly. Mick was the oldest of ten and is survived by: William Kelly (Kim), Maryanne Kelly, James Kelly, Norinne Broski (Mike), and Patricia Murray (Stuart), and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his siblings: Lawrence Kelly, John Kelly, Mary Sue Wielgus, and Joseph Barrett Kelly, his beloved cat Maura, and dog Sir Remington of Hunting Path “Remmy.”

Mick was a true renaissance man, who loved his family dearly and was passionate about his many hobbies. He was a master scuba diver, enjoying wreck and cave diving. Mick jumped feet first into any new hobby, including: baking over the top desserts with his brother Larry, saltwater aquarium ownership, gun smithing, pistol and shotgun target shooting, woodworking. He was a Harley Davidson, model train, RC car and RC airplane enthusiast. A lover of technology, he was the first on the block to own a synthesizer and computer watch in the 80s. He collected instruments (loving to play guitars and mandolins), fine fountain pens, books, watches, and jade artifacts. Mick was an all-around enthusiast of life, whose greatest joy was sharing his interests with everyone around him.

Mick loved to travel especially if it involved Irish whiskey tasting, cigars, and hanging out with family. He thoroughly enjoyed his family and friends, spending hours telling tales and funny anecdotes. Mick was an active member of St. Paul the Apostle in Grand Rapids, MI, a parishioner of St. John Newman’s, and the Basilica of St. Peter in Columbia, SC.

He served in Vietnam as a Navy Seal and was a graduate of DePaul University in Chicago. Mick’s varied working career included: Electra Motive, Robert Bosch, AirResearch and AMBAC International. He also owned Diesel Injection Turbo Systems in Villa Park, Il and started Cola.net bulletin board, a precursor to the Internet, and Kelly Gun Works in Blythewood, SC.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Basilica of St. Peter or Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital in his name.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at The Basilica of. St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 9, 2018 at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.