Van B. Kelley, 71, passed away Sunday, July 10, at his home, in Lee, Fla. He was born in Madison, Fla., to Benjamin Franklin and Martha Louise Tompkins Kelley on Oct. 30, 1950.
He was a lifelong resident of Madison County. He was a very active member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church. He also loved bluegrass music and playing his guitar. Van loved to hunt and could fish all night. He dearly loved his family, and his grandson was his pride and joy.
Van served his country in the United States Marine Corp. He was owner of M&S Auto Parts in Madison.
Van was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Kelley; two sisters, Francis Edenfield and Maretta Sheffield; brother-in-law, Ansel Albritton and his mother and father-in-law, Dorothy and Allen Kinard.
He is survived by his wife, Cookie Kelley; one son; Colt Royals, of Madison; one daughter, Lisa Knight (Joey); one sister, Montez (Tom) Signer, of West Palm Beach, Fla.; five brothers: Ben Kelley (Linda), of Lee, Fla., Mike (Joy) Kelley, of Pinetta, Fla., Dale Kelley (Kathy), of West Palm Beach, Fla., Richard Kelley, of Pinetta, Fla. and Chris Kelley of Pinetta, Fla.; two grandchildren, Davey Wood and Calli Knight; three brothers-in-law: Paul Albritton (Kathy) of Lee, Fla., Roger Kinard, of Lee, Fla., Frankey Kinard (Vicki) of Dasher, Ga.
The viewing will be held on Wednesday, July 13, at Beggs Funeral Home Chapel.
There will be a funeral service on Thursday, July 14, at 11 a.m., at Beggs Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Midway Cemetery in Lee, Fla.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gideons International.
Beggs Funeral Home is assisting the family. You may leave your condolences at www.beggsfuneral.com.