Claude D. Kelly

Claude moved to Florida with his family in 1926 from Evergreen, Alabama. Son of Albert Levi and Pearl Dean Kelly, he graduated from Seminole High School in Sanford FL in 1934. After a brief time with Sinclair Refining Company and Foremost Dairies, he enlisted in the Army as a private in 1942. Claude was honorably discharged as Captain in 1945, having served in the European Theater with a tank destroyer battalion, landing at Normandy beachhead and seeing action in three major battles including Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge). Citations and decorations awarded: Bronze Star medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Theatre Service Medal and Ribbon, and World War II Ribbon. He was recommended for a Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action in the capture and surrender of Burcheid, Germany, in the Ruhr Pocket.

Besides being a distinguished veteran of World War II, Claude became known regionally for his association with the dairy and agricultural industries, Foremost Dairies (which became Farmbest Dairies in 1965), and Reinhold Corporation, in which he served in executive and management positions. Most dear to his heart was the creation of the Clay County Fair Association; Claude was designated the “Father of the Clay County Agricultural Fair”, which began in 1987. Claude was also active in the organization of a Clay County 4-H Foundation to support education programs for youth and was a founding father of the Young Life Program in Duval County. Claude was also a leader in many other organizations such as the Council on Aging, the Rotary Club, Little League Baseball in Northeast Florida, and many other civic, dairy and agricultural entities. Claude was a long time, active, and very generous member of Avondale United Methodist Church.

Claude was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Francis Sperry Kelly, who died on March 19, 2010 at the age of 89. They were married on August 22, 1943 and had two children. Claude is survived by his daughter, Claudia Kelly Hudgens (Bill) of Virginia Beach, VA, his son Gary Earl Kelly (Elizabeth) of Jacksonville, his grandchildren Dean Kelly (Candice), Kelly Goodwin (Ryan) and Scott Hudgens, and great-grandson Patrick Kelly.

A memorial service celebrating Claude’s wonderful life and many gifts to his family and friends will be held at Avondale United Methodist Church, 1651 Talbot Avenue, Jacksonville, FL on Sunday, January 11, 2015 at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Avondale United Methodist Church.

Arrangements under the direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, Jacksonville, FL.