Altavista……….Gerald (Jerry) Richard Kelly, Sr. also known as Jerry the Candy man went to be with Jesus Sunday, October 26, 2014.
Born May 15, 1946 in Lynchburg he was a son of the late Russell Jefferson Kelly and Lennie Martin Kelly. He was predeceased by a sister, Betty Gentry and a brother, Russell Kelly, Jr. Jerry was the owner of the Old Timey Peanut Candy Factory for 35 years. He had the Walking by Faith Radio Broadcast every Sunday morning for 20 years where he preached and played music. He also was a Virginia State Forest Warden. Mr. Kelly was an U.S. Navy Veteran of Vietnam. He was JJ the All-American Clown where he volunteered his time to many organizations for charity. He was an Entrepreneur, he loved being a salesman and creating new ideas. He never met a stranger and after he met you he never forgot you. He loved Jesus and his family. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. He helped a lot of people in his lifetime and would give you the shirt off his back. He preached, taught Sunday school and led the choir at Liberty Baptist Church. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church of Altavista, but had not been attending because of his health. Mr. Kelly loved gospel music.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years Patricia Lambert Kelly of the residence; one daughter, Tabitha Kelly Robertson and her husband, Earl; one son, Gerald (Jerry) R. Kelly, Jr. and his wife, Jennifer; an identical twin, Terry B. Kelly; a brother, Colin P. Kelly and his wife, Brenda; a special sister-in-law, Sandra L. Haskins, and Sandra's children, Hannah Haskins and Kaeden Haskins; two grandchildren, Chloe Leeann Robertson and Russell (Russ) Taylor Kelly; his four legged daughter, Sophie Lynn Haskins; and a host of nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and an aunt and an uncle.
Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at Bethel Pentecostal Holiness Church by Rev. Brad Hendrix and Kenneth Lambert. Burial with Military Honors will follow in the church cemetery.
Mr. Kelly will be taken to the church at 5:30 P.M. Tuesday and the family will receive friends from 6 to 8 P.M. Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at Bethel Pentecostal Holiness Church and other times will be at the residence of his daughter and son-in-law, Tabitha and Earl Robertson, 3680 Dews Road, Hurt.
Colbert- Moran, Gretna, Virginia is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.colbertmoran.com.