Thomas Houston Kelley

Thomas Houston Kelley, 91, passed away on Sunday, August 8, 2021 in Dothan, AL. Tom was a resident of Dothan for nearly 40 years. He fell ill with Covid-19 a week earlier and passed away peacefully to be with the Lord.

Tom was born in Holmes County, Florida on February 22, 1930, the son of  David Belcher and Mary Esther Kelley. He attended Poplar Springs High School and was an accomplished basketball player going on to be a star for Chipola College. He spent 4 years in the United States Air Force as an MP serving in the Philippines. Soon after leaving the service, he married Nancy Hossen and was a loving husband until her death over 10 years ago. 

Tom spent his professional life employed by the FDA serving as  chief inspector in Dothan after spending many years in central Florida. He won many awards for outstanding service. He was a long time member of Bethel Baptist Church near Poplar Springs, and was a generous benefactor to many charities. Tom loved to fish, enjoyed the outdoors and was an accomplished gardener receiving awards for yard of the month in Dothan many times. He was a much-loved uncle, and beloved brother. Tom will be greatly missed for his spunkiness, loving spirit, and great generosity to all.

Tom is survived by his sister Edna McKeithen, his uncle Charles Kelley, 2 nephews, David M. McKeithen (Carol), and Darrick O. McKeithen (Pam) two great nephews, Dave McKeithen, and Isaac McKeithen, and a great niece Carly McCulloch.

Services for Tom will be 12:00 PM, Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at Bethel Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.  The visitation will be at 11:00 AM at Williams Funeral Home in Graceville, FL.