Thomas Kelley's Obituary
Thomas ”Tommy” Eugene Kelley, 65, of Memphis, TN, passed away unexpectedly of a massive heart attack at Baptist Memorial Hospital – Memphis on November 22, 2014 at 2:16 pm CST. Tommy was born November 12, 1949, in Memphis, TN to Robert Allen Kelley and Helen Pacini Kelley. Tommy’s siblings included two brothers, Eddie and Joe Kelley, along with one sister, Joy Kelley McKittrick. In August 1975, Tommy married Barbara Gene Gaia in Memphis, TN. They had one son together, Steven Romegio Kelley. Tommy attended Catholic High School and later was drafted into the Army, where he later acquired his GED. While in the Army, Tommy was a member of the 1st Calvary Unit and Ground Troops, and supported his country gallantly in the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1971. After being discharged from the Army, Tommy returned to Memphis, TN, and entered into the liquor business where he later invested in Jackson Liquors, where he worked diligently to support his family. Tommy was preceded in death by his grandparents, Joseph Pancini and Nell “Cini” Wilson Pacini Edwards, and his parents, Robert and Helen Kelley. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Gaia Kelley, one son, Steven Kelley and his wife, Stacy Kelley, along with his three grandchildren, Taylor Denise Kelley, Brandle Rain Bogle, and Brodie Langston Kelley. Tommy was the very proud great-grandfather of Emma Grace Kelley, age 2, of Memphis, TN. In addition, he leaves his brother, Eddie Kelley, and sister, Joy McKittrick, many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews, all of which he loved and admired. Tommy was a proud husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather, uncle, and friend to many in the Memphis, TN. He enjoyed his Corvette, playing pool with his good friends, and spending quality time with his family. He will be greatly missed by any and all who crossed his path. Services will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home, with public visitation on Tuesday, November 25, at 11:30 a.m. CST. A mass at Memorial Park will be at 1 p.m. CST, followed by a veteran burial service at 2 p.m. CST, which should conclude by 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, and per Tommy’s wishes, please send all donations to the Vietnam Veterans.
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