David Milton Kelly peacefully went home to be with the Lord and with his precious wife Emily Bowen Kelly on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 at the age of 91.

All are invited to a Celebration of Life that will be held on Monday, April 8, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at The First Presbyterian Church, 211 W 2nd Street, Washington, NC officiated by Lee Kinney. The family visitation will immediately follow the service at the church. A private military service will held at Oakdale cemetery.

David, affectionately known as “Kelly,” was born on November 8th, 1927 in Bellevue, Pennsylvania the son of the late Allan and Florence Kelly.
Growing up in Oradell, New Jersey, he graduated from Park Ridge High School in 1945. Kelly received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Maryland and spent his life in the dairy industry with De Laval Company before retiring to Emily’s hometown of Washington, NC in 1988.
Kelly enlisted in the United Staes Navy from 1946 to 1947 serving as a Pharmacist Mate Third Class and receiving a victory medal. He served in Bethesda, Maryland at the United States Naval Hospital. Teary-eyed he would later say we were “putting all our fine men who protected and served our great country back together again.” He was always a conservative and patriot in his heart.
“Sales” was Kelly’s gift with endless salesmen of the year awards. Everywhere he went people were his friends. A strong handshake and the sparkle in his eyes made you remember Kelly for life. Kelly was steadfast in his convictions, curious, mischievous, and an entertaining story teller. No other place on earth created more peace for Kelly then when he spent time on his boat especially with his dear friend Bob Davidson. The excuse of a cup of coffee to talk or work on a boat was a “must” in life. Service organizations, church, the choir, and sailing became his retirement package. Kelly served the Lord in many duties and grew in God’s word and peace.

Kelly and Emily, married 52 years, are together again laughing. He joins his son who preceded him in death, Gary Phillip. He is survived by his children Linda, (Robert), Michael, (Janet) and Patricia and her husband John whom he always considered his son. He is survived by his loving sister in laws, Mary Howard and John Gray Blount and Josephine and IB Paul. He is survived by 6 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, four nieces and one nephew Lawrence. He was preceded in death by his two older brothers, Allan Kelly and Ellsworth Kelly.

Kelly is now with his heavenly father and biological father for whom he both loved and honored. He is singing songs of joy with his beautiful voice having passed on from the tears of this world.

Ephesians 3:18 “And I pray that you and all God’s holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love.”

In lieu of flowers the family request donations to be made to one of the following The First Presbyterian Church 211 W. 2nd Street, Washington, NC 27889 or
Sovereign Grace 111 W. Greentree Rd. Marlton, NJ 08053.

You may share a memory with the family by visiting www.josephpaulfdl.com.
Joseph B. Paul, Jr. Funeral Director Licensee of Washington is serving the Kelly family.