Roy Wilson Kelley

Roy Wilson Kelley, 95, joined his beloved wife of nearly 71 years in heaven on November 18, 2020. His wife Violet Louise Norman Kelley, who passed away February 8, 2015.

Roy was born in Kansas, AL of February 6, 1925, a son of the late Roy Kelley and Lorene Dobbins Kelley. He attended Alabama public schools until age 11 when his family moved to High Point. Roy attended High Point schools and also studies accounting by correspondence from the International Accounting Society, which he once said proved valuable during his business career.

Roy was a successful businessman in High Point for 68 years, having owned Auto Oil Co., which specialized in small engine repairs. His business also served as his forum for talking about his civic and church interests, Alabama football and a range of subjects.

Roy was a civic and church worker most of his life after returning from World War II, serving in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1943 to 1946. A Marine machine gunner, Kelley was a combat with the Second Marine Division in Saipan, Tinian, Iheya Shima, and Okinawa and also was involved in Japanese Occupation duty.

His service as governor of the N.C. District East Civitan International, 1975-1976 was among the highlights of his 35 years in the Civitan Club. He also was an emeritus member of the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Home of North Carolina at Lake Waccamaw.

Roy was one of three lifetime deacons at Green Street Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday School for 56 years. A former deacon chairman, Roy was past president of the Men's Brotherhood and was former director of the Training Union.

Roy was known for helping people not only in his church but in the community. He also enjoyed events involving his Sunday School, especially parties. "Roy loved to celebrate birthdays with his class members" said friend Jo Ann Porter. "He and Vi enjoyed going out to eat and catching up with your life."⁸

Jim Cook knew Roy for more than 50 years, having Roy as his teacher and also having worked for him for a short time. "I saw first hand that he lived and practiced at work what he taught us on Sundays" Cook said. "Roy's life was always one of service to his country and his fellow man" said Wayne Daughtridge, another longtime friend.

He was a diehard University of Alabama football fan and would often entertain friends about the successes (and failures) of his beloved Tide. He also loved Duke basketball and enjoyed watching other sports events on TV from his favorite chair. Roy was known for his unique Sunday School lesson, often sprinkled with his experiences from his military service. Roy, with wife Vi providing support, delighted in getting others to share in the class he taught. Many of his customers at Auto Oil Co. found their way to Roy's church because of his kindly invitations.

Besides his wife, Roy was preceded in death by a son, David E. Kelley; a grandson, Steven Brian Kelley; siblings Maxine Moser, Christine Hicks, James Kelley and Robert Kelley; daughter-in-law, Anne Kelley.

Surviving are a son, Edd Kelley; a daughter, Linda Carroll; a brother, Clyde Kelley; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Roy's life will be held Monday, November 23, 2020 at 11 a.m. at Green Street Baptist Church by Rev. Frank Hensley. A private burial will be at Floral Garden Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church Monday from 10:30 until 11 a.m. Memorials may be directed to Green Street Baptist Church. The family would like to send a special thank you to the nurses and staff at Shannon Gray facility for their loving care of Roy. Online condolences may be made at Sechrestfunerals.com