Joseph Donald Kelley

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Joseph Donald Kelley, otherwise known as “Granddaddy Joe,” 79, of the Pleasant Home community, went home to be with the Lord Sun., Jan. 24, 2010, at his home surrounded by family and friends.
As a man who grew up instilled with a firm belief in family and an unshakeable faith in God, he married in 1955 to continue this legacy. As a deacon of more than 55 years, he became a solid pillar of the community and the embodiment of loyalty and integrity. He spent his life working with his hands all for the joy of helping others in Christ’s name. He will be missed but never forgotten. His works and teachings will live on through the generations of his family.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Bonita Kelley of the Pleasant Home Community; his daughters and sons-in-law, Deborah and Steve Frazier of Lincoln, Neb., Susan and Donnie Odom of Andalusia, Becky and David Poole of Perth, Australia; his sons and daughters-in-law, Joey and Lisa Kelley of Andalusia and Allen and Darlene Kelley of Dothan; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Ralph and Geraldine Kelley of Brownsville, Texas, Billy and Shirley Kelley of Andalusia, John Allen and Margie Kelley of Perdido, and James and Shelia Kelley of Andalusia; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Fay and Carl Talbert of Orlando, Fla., Charlotte Thomasson and Alice Davis, both of Andalusia, Sue Willis of Waynesville, N.C., and Cynthia and Mark Gunter of River Falls; and three sisters-in-law, Sara Cole, Gracia Smith and Shelia (Max) Humbert.
In addition, he was richly blessed with 23 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
His mother and father, Era and Allen Kelley, as well as two nephews, Lee Thomasson and Rusty Willis, preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., today, Wed., Jan. 27, at Pleasant Home Baptist Church with interment in the Pleasant Home Cemetery. Pastors Fred Kelley Sr. and Fred Kelley, Jr. will officiate. The music will be provided by Shelia Kelley and Jason Gunter.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Jay Kelley, Donnie Odom, Josh Poole, Devin Kelley, Danny Poole and Jacob Poole
Flowers are appreciated and donations in his honor may be made to Meredith’s Miracles Foundation, P.O. Box 643 Andalusia, AL 36420 or 334-222-3265.
Family and friends unable to attend the services may sign the guest registry online at foremanfuneralhome.com.