Lionel Ray Kelley

Lionel graduated from St. Clair County High School in 1968 and married his sweetheart Ginger Cobb in 1973. In their 51 years of marriage they enjoyed raising a family, building many houses, traveling, and serving their community.

Lionel retired from AT&T after 40 years of service. After his retirement, Lionel was able to devote his time doing what he always knew was his spiritual gift of building and physical labor to serve the Lord. He went on several mission trips to work and serve in times of need through Builders for Christ and First Baptist Church of Pell City Missions, led the chainsaw unit of the St. Clair County Disaster Relief Team, and built handicap facilities for the handicap and disabled. His greatest joy and accomplishment was being “Pops” to his four grandchildren Drake, Claire, Parks, and Hattie James. He was the greatest Pops any child could have ever asked for, and he took in and loved many others along the way.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia Cobb Kelley; daughter, Jennifer Alverson (Jordan); son, Brad Kelley (Melissa); grandchildren, Drake Kelley, Parks Donaldson, Claire Donaldson, and Hattie Alverson; sister, Mary Kelley; and brother, Larry Kelley (Wanda).

He is preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Elsie Kelley; and brother, and Tim Kelley.

Lionel’s family would like to show special thanks, love, and appreciation to the First Baptist Truth Seekers Sunday School Class, his best friend Jimmy Pollard, and most importantly in these last few weeks of life Shulanda Keller and Trenton Woodward for caring for Lionel and Ginger in such a strong physical, emotional, and spiritual way.

A visitation will begin at 1:00pm on Wednesday, October 2, at Pell City First Baptist Church with the funeral service following at 2:00pm. He will be laid to rest at Branchville Cemetery.

Donations may be made in Lionel’s honor to the First Baptist Church Building Fund or St. Clair County Disaster Relief. Please note Lionel Kelley in the memo line.