Verlin Ray Kelly

Verlin was born on September 12, 1941, the son of Virgil and Lura Kelly. He has one older sister, Donna Kelly Duncan, who often called him “Sonny”. Following their father’s Phillips 66 oil crew, the Kelly family lived in numerous places (57 in all) when Verlin was young. He professed Jesus as his Savior at age 6.

The family settled in San Angelo, Texas when Verlin was in about 6th grade. He graduated in the first class of San Angelo Central High School in 1959, where he was a proud member of both the football team and the marching band. He and his family were active members of Park Heights Baptist Church. It was there that he met his first love, Linda Kay Wood.

Verlin attended Baylor University where he played 3 years with the Baylor Bears football team.

Verlin and Linda were married on June 16, 1962 and stayed in Waco to finish college at Baylor. In 1964, they moved to Ft. Worth, Texas. While in Ft. Worth, Verlin completed his Master’s degree in Physics at the University of Texas in Arlington, and also studied at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Verlin also taught at Texas Wesleyan University. In the late 1960’s he started work as an Aerospace Software Engineer at General Dynamics (later Lockheed Martin). Verlin and Linda were active members of Trinity Baptist Church, where Verlin served as a deacon and children’s worship minister. Their children, Lisa and David, were born and raised in Ft. Worth as well. Verlin and Linda were married more than 43 years, until Linda’s passing due to brain cancer. Verlin then moved back to San Angelo to care for his mother until her passing, and where he attended and helped plant the Cowboy Church of San Angelo. It was here that God blessed him with a new love, Suzie Ratcliffe. Suzie and Verlin were married January 1, 2011 and they enjoyed helping others and traveling together the past 11 years. Verlin was proud to be called “Dad” by Suzie’s sons, Stanley and Barry Ratcliffe. He loved all of his family so much and was a wonderful example of how to be a Godly, loving person. Verlin spent his entire life serving God, teaching people (especially kids) and being so generous with his money, possessions, humor, and time.

Verlin was preceded in death by his first wife, Linda; parents, Virgil and Lura; and in-laws, Billie and Dillard Wood. Verlin was especially proud to be a member of the Wood family and continued to attend Wood family reunions for many years.

Verlin leaves behind his loving wife, Suzie; his sister, Donna Duncan; daughter, Lisa Kelly (Betsy); sons David Kelly (Michele), Stanley Ratcliffe (Jessica), Barry Ratcliffe (Jill); niece, Kellea Duncan; nephew, Keith Duncan; grandsons, Joshua Kelly (Ashley), Michael Kelly (Laura); granddaughters Sara Sies (Andrew), Hanna Joines (Chris), Daniella, Cassandra, and Krystianna Ratcliffe; great-grandchildren Matthew, Ezra, Lydia, Samuel, Samara, Peyton, and Judah; and many friends who will miss him dearly.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 3:00 pm at San Angelo Cowboy Church, 4015 North Chadbourne Street.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com for the Kelly family.