Dr. Bobby Jerald Kelley's Obituary
Bobby J. Kelley, M.D. was born on October 29, 1933, in Henderson County, Tennessee, on his
family farm. He was the beloved son of Buford John Kelley and Beulah Brown Kelley. Bobby
passed away at Baptist Hospital on October 10, 2022.
Prior to attending medical school at the University of Tennessee Memphis he proudly served in
the United States Air Force Strategic Air Command (SAC) with the 308th Bomb Wing under the
command of General Curtis LeMay. The 308th deployed primarily to SAC bases in Morocco
providing Cold War reconnaissance with the B-47 Stratojet. He enjoyed reunions with his
squadron and recalling countless stories of his time in service.
After completing his nephrology fellowship in 1968, Dr. Kelley was invited to Emory University
in Atlanta, Georgia as a visiting Professor of Medicine. During his tenure at Emory, he worked
with his colleagues Dr. Fred Hatch, Dr. Jim Gibb Johnson, and Dr. Louis Britt to develop the
nephrology department at the University of Tennessee, which included the first artificial kidney
program in Memphis, one of the first of two in Tennessee, the other was in Nashville,
Tennessee. Lacking funds and trained staff, the artificial kidney center was established with
two in center dialysis machines donated by the Rotary Club of Memphis to what was then the
Kidney Foundation of Tennessee. The University received three of the lifesaving machines for
the long anticipated artificial kidney center which had space for twenty-two treatment areas at
William F. Bowld Hospital. The artificial kidney center robustly promoted home dialysis to lower
costs and improve patient quality of life, opening with one home dialysis patient.
Following his tenure at the University of Tennessee, Bobby went into private practice caring for
people with chronic and end stage renal disease. Over the years he continued to serve as
medical director for several dialysis centers in the Memphis area. Most recently, he opened a
new dialysis center in Germantown, Tennessee with Sanderling Renal Services. In addition to
his contributions to the early milestones of artificial kidneys and management of kidney
transplant recipients, Dr. Kelley was involved in numerous clinical research studies, including
new dialyzers and vitamin D analogs, as well as early basic research on erythropoietin inhibition
in renal disease.
Beyond his dedication and love of medicine in general and nephrology in particular, Bobby
loved to bird hunt, fly fish, and enjoy time on his family farm. Dr. Kelley always had a story to
tell about his time spent in those pursuits. His quick wit will be missed.
Dr. Kelley was board certified in internal medicine and nephrology, and a member of multiple
honor societies including Alpha Omega Alpha, national medical honor society, the American
College of Physicians, and Chi Beta Phi. Although he was recognized with many academic and
lifetime achievement awards and honor society memberships, he will be most remembered as
a man of faith, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a mentor
to many physicians, and role model for his children and grandchild. He dedicated his life and
vast intellect to the care of people with kidney disease. He was a healer and an advocate for
every patient he treated. He cared for each as if they were family. His work brought him great
joy and he was fortunate to continue doing what he loved professionally for over fifty years.
Bobby’s academic and professional pursuits were supported by his devoted wife of sixty-six
years, Carolyn Parker Kelley. She provided for the family allowing him to complete his medical
degree and proudly cared for their family throughout the years. He also leaves his son Jack
Kelley (Laura) of Olive Branch, Mississippi, and his daughter Cathy Kelley Pantik (Martin) of
Memphis, Tennessee; five grandchildren, Chris Kelley, John Kelley (Heather), Bobby Kelley,
Carolyn Kelley, Will Rasch (Tiffany) of San Diego, California, Lukas Pantik, Tomas Pantik ; great
grandson, David Marmelejo. He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Nancy
Kelley.
Visitation will be held Saturday, October 15th at Christ Methodist Church 10:30am – 12pm,
with a service immediately following in the sanctuary. There will be a reception to celebrate his
life at 2pm at The University Club of Memphis.
Any memorials may be made to Christ Methodist Church, The Nancy Kelley Memorial Fund at
Christ Methodist Day School, or the Kidney Foundation serving West Tennessee, 4728
Spottswood Avenue # 226 Memphis, Tennessee 38117, or the charity of the donor’s choice.
What’s your fondest memory of Bobby?
What’s a lesson you learned from Bobby?
Share a story where Bobby's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Bobby you’ll never forget.
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