Robert Patton "Pat" Kelly, III

Robert Patton “Pat” Kelly, III, age 81, of Columbia SC passed away peacefully on January 3, 2024. A memorial service will be held at noon on Monday, January 8, 2024 at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, in Columbia, SC. A reception will follow the service at the funeral home.

Pat was born on June 21, 1942 in Washington, DC to Dr. Robert Patton Kelly, II and Sara Powers Kelly. The family moved to Atlanta when Pat was 5 and he quickly learned his way around town, even instructing his mother on how to return to their new house. This was the beginning of a lifelong practice - he never lost his excellent sense of direction and his sense of obligation to inform others how they should drive.

Pat was competitive by nature and he loved and excelled in sports. He played varsity baseball and football at The Westminster School, where he graduated in the class of 1960. He began his college career at the University of North Carolina where he walked on to the baseball team as a pitcher. After college he took great pride in coaching little league. He was a lifelong Braves fan and like a true Atlantan of a certain age, loved to tell how he saw Hank Aaron play in person.

He also studied at Emory University, where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and spent a lot of time honing his bridge game.

Pat was an avid outdoorsman and traveler. Hunting and fishing were his favorite pastimes and he loved sharing them with and teaching his children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. He always had a big fish or big buck story to share with anyone who would listen. A highlight was a dove hunting trip to Argentina with his son and a trip to Yellowstone with his grandson.

Pat was an eternal optimist and dreamer who was always excited about his newest business idea. His love language was certainly gifts, as he loved nothing more than to share his successes with his family, who were his pride and joy.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Dr. Edward A. Kelly of Pittsboro, NC, and his sister Mary K. Rogers of Gainesville, GA. He is survived by daughter Langhorne Kelly of Columbia, SC, son John (Ginny) Kelly of Mt. Pleasant, SC, grandsons Alex Kohel, Carter Kohel, and Henry Kohel, and granddaughters Charlotte Kelly and Harper Kelly, and several special nieces and nephews.