of Maumelle, AR

December 21, 1938 - August 16, 2024

Theodore Edison Kelley of Maumelle, AR went to be with the Lord on Friday, August 16, 2024.

Theodore, fondly known as Ted or Teddy, was born to Theodore Edison Sr. and Gladys Kelley on December 21, 1938 at Southeast Missouri State Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Growing up in Sikeston Missouri, Ted enjoyed fishing, boating, reading, fixing cars and playing the trumpet in the Sikeston High School marching band.

After graduating high school, Ted attended Southeast Missouri State University where he was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity and earned a Bachelor in Science degree in Business Administration. During this time, he also enlisted in the United States Army Reserve, serving for several years before receiving an honorable discharge.

During his senior year of college, Ted met the love of his life, Carolyn Rhame. Carolyn and her family had recently moved to Sikeston and moved in next door to Ted's family. Ted loved to tell the story of the first time he saw Carolyn, often describing how her beauty was so captivating that it caused him to veer off the street and run over the front hedges that separated their yards. On August 25th of this year, they would have celebrated 61 years of marriage.

Ted's career had many accomplishments that reflected his service to his community. He held Vice President and CFO positions for Atlas Plastics Corporation in Cape Girardeau and Arkansas Cutting Tools in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He was co-owner of Kelley Automotive in Malden, Missouri. Finally retiring as Regional Human Resource Director for the American Red Cross in Little Rock. His professional and community activities included; Secretary of the Board of the Cape First Church of the Nazarene, various chairman positions for the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce, Finance Chairman for the Boys Scouts, Director of the Girl Scouts, Director of Young Life and a member of the Kiwanis Club. A man of faith, he was a dedicated member of Parkway Place Church here in Little Rock.

Ted leaves a legacy of love, dedication, sacrificial service and a fun sense of humor. To his children he was known as the ''man who could fix anything'', a 24-hour support hotline and a calming presence. He was affectionately known as ''Top Ted'' or ''Tedtastic'' by his son-in-laws and daughter-in-law and he cherished being a Pawpaw. He loved Dixieland Jazz, telling riddles and ghost stories, spending time on the lake, attending his grandchildren's events and Friday afternoons with the family. To his friends he was known as ''The Captain''.

He is survived by wife, Carolyn; their three children, Greg (Lori) Kelley of Maumelle, Laurie (Mike) Biggs of Little Rock and Sarah (Vernon) Irvin of Maumelle; Nine grandchildren, Tyler, Trent and Emery Kelley; Ian, Christian (Margo), Patrick (Hope) and Kelley Biggs; Weston and Hannah Irvin and two great granddaughters, Harper and Piper Biggs. He is also survived by Paul and Jana Rhame (brother and sister-in-law of St. Louis, Missouri) and three nephews, Brad, Brian and Tim Rhame. Preceded in death by his parents, Theodore Sr. and Gladys Kelley and his brothers, J.T. and John Kelley.

A celebration of Ted's life will be held at Parkway Place Church in Little Rock on August 29, 2024 at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Parkway Place Church.

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