Kelly Dean Carney

He graduated from Englewood High School class of 1981. He spent his youth playing a variety of sports, especially baseball. Circumstances placed him under the coaching of local high school player, Glenn Dowdy, who would one day become his Brother-in-Law. Kelly spent many years laying hardwood floors at RJ Bernath Hardwood Floors, and he was truly an expert in his trade. He also spent much of his life on the water: paddleboarding, wind surfing, swimming, and fishing. For many years, he would frequent his father’s lake house in Melrose, Florida, where he would regularly spend hours wade fishing for bass with his niece and nephew. Kelly was also an accomplished water skier and was able to barefoot ski, despite being mostly self-taught. He was an avid powerlifter, and some of his closest, longest lasting friendships began as training partners at the gym. However, Kelly’s most noticeable interest, especially in his later years was serving his Lord and Savior. He regularly attended Christian Family Chapel, but his spiritual life was not confined to times he was at worship. Kelly was very up front about his faith and its importance in his life but never in a pushy way. He simply wanted for others to experience the transformative power of the gospel, and so he shared it with any and all who showed interest.

Kelly was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Carney Jr. (Papa Ralph). He is survived by his mother Marilyn Lane Carney, sister Sherri Carney Dowdy (Glenn Dowdy), nephew Joshua Dowdy (Thaoly), and niece, Savannah Casey (Tim). He also leaves behind his great nieces and nephews (Ellie, Kylie, Henry, and Lincoln), along with many cherished friends.

A service will be held on the beach, at the Ponte Vedra Lodge and Club, Thursday November 4, 2021 at 607 Ponte Vedra Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082. Internment will be limited to family only at Greenlawn Cemetery, Jacksonville, Florida.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GreenlawnJacksonville.com for the Carney family.