Rhae Emerson Kelley

Rhae Emerson Kelley of Lexington, South Carolina passed away June 10, 2022. He was born October 1, 1942, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Samuel Rufus Kelley and Eva Sanders Kelley. Shortly thereafter, when his father went into the US Army in World War II, Rhae and his mother moved to Georgia to be closer to family. Though he spent most of his life in the Baltimore area, he always considered himself a “Georgia boy“ at heart, having spent those formative years in Elbert County.

After graduating from high school, Rhae’s first major employment was at FMC, a chemical processing plant in South Baltimore where he began in the laboratory, later moving to shift supervisor. While working there, he earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from The Johns Hopkins University. After twenty plus years at FMC, Rhae returned to school for a degree in accounting. He passed the CPA exam on the first attempt; he was employed for a time in private practice, and later moved to working for the US Treasury Department (IRS). He spent another twenty years in this profession. Before retiring from his government position, Rhae spent several years studying theology. He was ordained as a deacon and then as a priest in the Anglican Church. In his spiritual capacity, Rhae assisted in a variety of churches. His special focus was ministering to those in nursing and assisted living facilities. This aspect of his life was quite important to him; he was faithful with scripture, prayer, and meditation.

Among Rhae’s favorite pastimes were soccer, especially British and European teams; and puzzles, both crossword and Sudoku. He could be quite humorous; throughout his hospitalizations, the medical staff commented on his humor and wit. His grandchildren can attest that Rhae could take nearly any phrase uttered and burst into a song with similar words or meaning. He also enjoyed travel, visiting many US states and European countries.

Rhae is survived by his wife of 42 years, Molly Gilbert Kelley; daughter, Rachel Elizabeth Kelley; three grandchildren, Louisa, Uriah, and Micah Haltiwanger; sister, Kyra Fish (Ben); a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Sarah Louise Kelley; sister, Jean Hart (Otts); sister-in-law, Sue Ellen Gilbert.

Funeral services will be Saturday, June 18, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, 11856 Mays Chapel Rd., Timonium, MD 21093. Interment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery in Ellicott City, Maryland.

Flowers are welcome, or please consider a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (https://www.lls.org/) or to another charitable organization of your choosing in Rhae’s name.

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