William Earl "Buddy"
Kelley, Jr.


July 29, 1940 - September 30, 2020

William Earl “Buddy” Kelley, Jr., age 80, of Florence, passed away September 30, 2020. The family will receive friends Saturday, October 3, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Spry-Williams Funeral Home. The funeral will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Brother Ellis Coats officiating. Interment will follow at Tri-Cities Mausoleum.

Mr. Kelley was preceded in death by his parents, William Earl and Bessie James Kelley; and sisters, Betty Hayes Slatton and Alice Payne.

Survivors include his loving wife, Polly Kelley; son, Trey Kelley (Beth); daughters, Katrina Kelley Burgess, Debra Brown (David), Krystal Gray and Angela Sykes (Walter); grandchildren, Will Kelley (Emily), John Kelley (Caroline), Darby Burgess, Ann Palmer (Brent), Shawn Murphy, Christopher Sykes (Sara) and Chad Sykes (Erin); great-grandchildren, Bentley Kelley, Brooks Kelley, Emmie Beth Kelley, Cole Kelley, Carson Kelley, Payton Palmer, Mackenzie Palmer, Landon Murphy, Eli Sykes and Turner Sykes; sister, Penny Sharp; and brother, Larry Kelley.

Papaw loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were the light of his life and his passing has left a void in their hearts.

Buddy was a member of Jackson Heights Church of Christ.   He was a talented handyman and enjoyed doing things for other people. He especially enjoyed his annual pheasant hunting trip with his hunting friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. Robert Mann and to all of the nurses on the fourth floor of North Alabama Medical Center. You may leave condolences at sprywilliams.com.



Visitation

October 10, 2020
10:00 am

Spry-Williams Funeral Home

Visitation

Spry Williams Funeral Home, Helton Drive, Florence, AL, USA

October 10, 2020 10:00 am

Get Directions

Funeral

October 3, 2020
11:00 am

Spry-Williams, Interment to follow at Tri-Cities Mausoleum.

Funeral

Spry Williams Funeral Home, Helton Drive, Florence, AL, USA

October 3, 2020 11:00 am

Get Directions

9 Comments on “William Earl "Buddy" Kelley, Jr.”

  1. So sorry for your loss. I worked with Buddy at LaRoche. He was always smiling and always sharing stories about his grandchildren. Thoughts and prayers for each of you.

  2. So sorry to see that William has passed away. I worked with him for several years at LaRoche/Cherokee Nitrogen. William always had a smile on his face and a kind word to say. He was a very talented operator in the ammonia plant and was always involved with others. He will be dearly missed by those who knew and associated with him. Deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

  3. We are so sorry to hear of Buddy’s passing. We attended church with him at Darby Drive, worked together at the church, and Owen worked with him at National Pool years ago. He was always a jolly, smiling person, never heard him be critical of anyone. He will be missed by all who knew him. God’s blessings of peace and comfort surround the family, in Jesus name. With sympathy and love, Owen and Mary Lewis.

  4. I love you Uncle Buddy! My family loves you so much and will miss you. You have always let your light shine before you, and we’ll take comfort knowing you are with your Father in Heaven. Your life has touched everyone around you and it will be difficult letting you go. You’ll always be with us in our hearts. Rest in peace.

  5. So sorry to learn of Buddy’s passing. He was a good friend in our high school days. He was a good person and a good friend. He will be missed.

  6. Dear Polly,
    I don’t know if you remember me, but you knew my late husband, Ray Mahatha, from UNA. He was the locksmith and that’s where he got to know you. I knew William from years ago when he used to be a customer at United Hardware on Florence Blvd. I was the bookkeeper there. William was always a total gentleman and very well respected. I am so sorry to read of William’s passing. Ray died on Christmas Eve of 2000. It’s hard to believe so many years have passed by. Polly, you & your family have my sympathy. I will be praying for you during the difficult days ahead.
    Sincerely,
    Janice Mahatha Molina

  7. I’m so sorry Buddy has gone over. The heartache you will bare rill be difficult. .But with family and friends it will get easyer.

  8. Buddy was honestly one of my very favorite people in this world.
    When we lived in Florence, I can remember being his buddy (more like a tag a long) when he was working at Darby Drive and he was always so patient and kind. He taught me the value of hard work and made me feel like I was very important to him always. He was truly my childhood hero. He was the first Santa I knew also, I will have to treasure (even more so) a photo I have with he and I. At Christmas one year, I remember asking my mom if Santa was really Buddy Kelley(after I spoke with “Santa”).
    My sincerest sympathy to Mrs. Polly, Katrina, Trey and their families.
    💚
    With Love, Rhonda Conner

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