Patrick Kelly

Pat was born to the late Jack Kelly and the late Nellie Jo Hitt on June 8th, 1936 in Denver, CO. He grew up in Atlanta, GA where he received his Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees at Emory University. He completed his post-doctoral study at Stanford University on the philosophy of science and logic.

Pat joined the faculty at Georgia Institute of Technology (GA Tech) in 1959 where he enjoyed a successful 40-year career as a tenured professor and Chairman of the Department of Social Sciences. in 1968, Pat became the project director of a National Science grant at Tech. He went on to serve as a member of the Space Sciences and Technology Board, and chairman of the Humanities/Social Sciences Advisory Committee. His professional memberships included the American and the Georgia Philosophical Associations, and he chaired the Philosophy and History of Science section of the Georgia Academy of Science.

Pat is preceded in death by his beloved wife Jean Kelly. He is survived by his son Todd Kelly and his daughters Kathleen Shaffer and Leigh Fisher. He leaves behind a rich legacy of knowledge and learning to his children, his 6 grandchildren, and his 6 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to share a favorite memory of Patrick by leaving a message of celebration for his life at: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/roswell-ga/patrick-kelly-11219568/add-memory. Here you can share pictures or record a video, as well as tell a story, offer an uplifting poem, share a quote or scripture, or even share some of your favorite “Pat-isms” on the condolences tab.