Stephen Lee Kelley

COLUMBIA – Stephen Lee Kelley was welcomed home by his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, May 29, 2018, after a brief illness. Memorial Services for Mr. Kelley will be held in Boyce Chapel at First Baptist Church of Columbia, on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Dennis Banks and Rev. Richard Humphries officiating. A private family burial will take place at Greenlawn Memorial Park prior to the memorial service. The family will receive friends at a visitation and reception in Ellis Hall after the service.

Mr. Kelley was born August 3, 1959 to the late Talley F. and Dorothy C. Kelley. Mr. Kelley is survived by his loving sister, Karen Kelley Hall (Jerry W. Hall Jr.); niece, Christina Rollison Hall; nephew, Jerry W. Hall, III (Lisa Cecere Hall); great-nieces, Ellie and Kadie Hall; as well as a dear aunt and uncle, T. Roland and Mildred C. Lide. He is also survived by numerous cousins.

Mr. Kelley attended Columbia area schools and was a graduate of Dreher High School in 1978. He attended North Texas University on a percussion scholarship, where he studied music. Mr. Kelley was employed by Britton’s Clothing store until his illness.

A music man and drummer, Mr. Kelley enjoyed playing with his father at numerous weddings and events. He will be remembered for his ability to find a musical beat, as well as his great taste in clothing and witty sense of humor. He never met a stranger. A longtime member of First Baptist Church, Columbia, Mr. Kelley served in the Special Education Ministry.

The family would like to thank Dr. Fred Smith, Dr. Rodney Rhinehart, Dr. Mac Leppard, as well as their staff for their compassionate care. They would also like to thank his caregivers, Mrs. Pat Warren and Mrs. Kim Sussewell, for all the Christian love, care and friendship that they showed Steve.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Special Education Ministry or to a charity of one’s choice.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.