Obituary of Carl Ray Kelley, Sr.

Mr. Carl Ray Kelley, Sr. age 82 a resident of Auburndale passed away Friday, October 29, 2021 at Lakeland Regional surrounded by his family. Mr. Kelley was born October 3, 1939 in Leoma, Tennessee to Samuel Henry and Luellar Elizabeth (Leatherwood) Kelley. He’s been an Auburndale resident since 1951 coming from Tennessee, graduated from Auburndale High School Class of 1960 and was a United States Marine Veteran serving during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Carl and his late wife Loretha owned and operated Florida Backhoe for 20 years. He also retired from the United States Postal Service after 25 years as a Mail Distribution Clerk. He was a 32nd degree Mason lifetime member, Auburndale High School Band Patron and coached Auburndale Little League Baseball for many years. He enjoyed fishing, tinkering, gardening, Gator football and spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 60 years – Loretha Wilson Kelley; brother – Marshall Leroy Kelley and 2 sisters – Clara Inez Roberts & Mattie Elizabeth Smith. Carl is survived by his loving & devoted family, son – Carl R. (Sherry) Kelley, Jr.; 2 daughters – Tonya (John) Gill and Terri (Garry) Perry all of Auburndale; 4 grandchildren – Keisha (Josh), Michaela, Jacob (Alaina) and Luke (Payton); 2 great grandsons – Grayson & Hayes; sister – Diane (Randy) Slaton and many nieces, nephews, cousins & extended family. Funeral service will be 11:00 am Thursday, November 4th at Kersey Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 10am at the funeral home. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Auburndale Memorial Park.