Thaddeus Robertson Kelly, Jr.

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Visitation Schedule
Roller-Citizens Funeral HOme
508 Plaza Street
West Helena, AR  72390
Monday, January 16, 2006
5-7 p.m.
Service Schedule
St. John's Episcopal Church
625 Pecan Street
Helena, Ar  72342
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
2 p.m.
Cemetery
Maple Hill Cemetery
Holly Street
Helena, Ar  72342
Thaddeus Robertson Kelly, Jr.

of Helena, AR

January 16, 1922 - January 14, 2006

Thaddeus Robertson Kelly, Jr.

Thad R. Kelly, Jr. 83, died of natural causes January 14, 2006 at home. He was born at his home 310 College Street in Helena, Arkansas January 16, 1922. He was the son of the late Thaddeus Robertson Kelly, Sr. and Ariadne Leonard Wood Kelly.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Nancy Huey Kelly, five children: Thad R. Kelly, III and wife Peggy Theis Kelly of Fayetteville, Robert Huey Kelly and wife Linda Pittman Kelly of Fayetteville. Nancy Kelly Hornor and husband Jack of Helena. Bonnie Kelly Newman and husband Bart of Hot Springs. Martha Kelly Howe and husband Jim of Flower Mound, TX.

He is survived by his two sisters, Ann Kelly Allin of Jackson, MS., and Martha Kelly Lambert of Helena. His nieces and nephews were many.

He was ''Pa'' to eleven grandchildren: Elizabeth Adne Kelly of Roanoke, VA., Nathan Broome of Fayetteville, Sara Hayes of Orlando, FL, John Hornor of Helena, Martha Stewart Hornor of Conway, Bart Newman, Jr. of Fayetteville, Will Newman of Hot Springs, Claire Newman of Little Rock, Jamie Howe of Annapolis, MD., Virginia Howe and Kelly Howe of Flower Mound, TX.

He was blessed with two wonderful caregivers: Toney Miles and Josephine Speed.

He graduated from Mississippi State with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1943; he was head cheerleader of the 1941 SEC Football Champions.

He was a naval veteran of both WWII and the Korean War. He served as one of three Officers onboard LCI-601 in the Pacific during WWII and was recalled during the Korean War. He retired with over 20 years of active and reserve service attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

He was a lifelong resident of Helena, and was well known for his commitment to the development and improvement of his beloved community. He was a Realtor and Real Estate Appraiser, developing three sub-divisions, two apartment complexes and over 100 homes.

He was President of: Phillips Co. Real Estate Board; Phillips Co. Chamber of Commerce; Arkansas Delta Development; Helena Rotary Club where he was a Paul Harris Fellow, and longtime song leader, and Lunar Illuminati.

He was mayor of Helena from 1974 until 1986. He was President of the Arkansas Municipal League in 1984. As Mayor he established: Helena as one of the Five Main Street Cities, and Helena's King Biscuit Blues Festival.


In 2003 the Arkansas Senate dedicated in his honor the ''Thad Kelly Courtyard Park'' on Cherry Street which received ''Best Downtown Public Improvement Project'' in 2006.

Funeral services will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church Helena at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 17, 2006. Father Travis Frank of St. John's Helena and Msgr. J. Gaston Hebert V.G. of Hot Springs will officiate. Interment will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Helena. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Monday at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, Plaza Street, West Helena.

Pallbearers will be: Nathan Broome, Bart Newman, Jr. John Hornor, Jr., Jamie Howe, III, Will Newman and Alan Woodyard.

In lieu of flowers and gifts memorials may be made to St. John's Episcopal Church, 625 Pecan St., Helena, AR. 72342, or the Ophelia Polk Moore Home-via St. Francis Ministries, Box 621, Helena, AR. 72342.

Roller-Citizens funeral home will direct (870) 572-2571.


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20 Condolence(s)
JaneAnn McClintock Bilon
Sherwood, AR
Liked
Sunday, January 22, 2006

On behalf of my parents (Bill and Allean) and brothers (Bill Jr. and Brent), I offer deepest condolences to the entire Kelly Family. Mr. Kelly was a very special person who leaves a wonderful legacy. We are blessed to have known him.

sharon (chu) jiu
jonesboro, AR
Liked
Thursday, January 19, 2006

Sorry to hear about your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Patsy Plumley
Helena, AR
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Thursday, January 19, 2006

Whoever said the good ones die young obviously did not know Thad. He was quite a man who accomplished an enormous amount of good during his lifetime. He will be missed by all who loved him. May he rest in peace.

N.Rangaswami
Cordova, TN
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Wednesday, January 18, 2006

We deeply regret passing away of Mr.Thad Kelly.We feel blessed to have met him and known him.It was a pleasure and honor to have cared for his grandchildren.Our prayers are with Ms.Nancy and the rest of the family. The Rangaswami Family.

Sissy Stephens Wheeler
West Helena, AR
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Wednesday, January 18, 2006

I have wonderful memories of Mayor Kelly, he was always so nice, and also of your home - it was always decorated so pretty for Christmas.

Sandra McLendon Blair
Coway, AR
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Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Our family was saddened by the news of Mr. Kelly. He was a wonderful man and citizen of my home town. I will never forget my childhood memories of all the Kelly's. He was in my opinion the BEST MAYOR Helena ever had. I will miss his warm smile. My heart goes out to Nancy and all the kids. Love to you all, Sandra McLendon Blair

Mark Hoagland
Tulsa, OK
Liked
Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Sorry to hear about the lost of a wonderful man. I still think of the time spent at the farm, and at your home. Pam and I still talk about staying at the house during the reunion.

Terri Seeman Hollowell
Nesbit, MS
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Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Mrs Kelly, Bob and family, I was so sorry to hear about Mr. Kelly and wanted to let you all know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. If there is comfort to be had at a time like this it is in knowing that he is in a better place and waiting for the day he will see you all again. Mr. Thad was a very respected man and will be missed by so many who's lives he touched. My heart goes out to you all, Terri

Charles D, Gunn
West Helena, AR
Liked
Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Kelly's I am so sorry about Mr. Thad. I have always held him in high respect. I have always felt closer to your family that some others. I think it must have been band. I have you in my prayers. If I can be of help let me know. In His service Charles D. Gunn

Bob Huff
Meridian, MS
Liked
Tuesday, January 17, 2006

If anyone could ever exemplify Jimmy Stewart in my favorite movie "It's A Wonderful Life" it would have to be Mayor Thad Kelly. His love for his Church, his family, his friends, and his community was unmeasurable.To the family, I am so sorry for your loss. Like Stewart, Mayor Kelly was loved by all, and I don't anyone whom would have not done anything in the world for him because he did so much for everyone else. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.

Kay Patterson Helton
West Helena, AR
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Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Our sincere sympathy at the loss of your husband and father. Kay Patterson Helton Jennifer Patterson Clark

Ed & Marcelle Brown
Marianna, AR
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Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Nancy & Family, So sorry about Thad's Death. We have many happy memories with you two at the Ark Municipal League Conventions. Our prayers are with you. Ed & Marcelle Brown Marianna

CHS Class of 1974
Helena, AR
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Tuesday, January 17, 2006

The Central High School Class of 1974 extends our deepest sympathy to our classmate Bonnie and her family.

Doug and Cassie Turner
Lewisville, AR
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Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Doug and I are thinking of all of you today. Especially you Mrs. Kelly. Love to you and your family.

Bob & Lillian McCarty
West Helena, AR
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Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.

Harles and Trudie
Camden, AR
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Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Nancie and Family, It is with regret that we cannot be there asx Trudie is in a wheel chair with some minor wee strokes. To know thad was just pure pleasure. Aperson with a great outlook and fun for any and all. I never knew him to frown when we were with him. We reasurer our friendship with you and will remember our friendship always, Harles and Trudie Carter

Donna Yerby
Hot Springs, AR
Liked
Tuesday, January 17, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time and especially with Bonnie, Bart and family.

Bob & Lillian McCarty
West Helena, AR
Liked
Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Lynn McCarty Smith
Memphis, TN
Liked
Tuesday, January 17, 2006

My prayers and thoughts are with you. I know what you are going through. I lost Herb over 4 years ago. If you should need anything please do not hesitate to email me or call 901-755-6414, ext.237.

Dwight Brown
Wynne, AR
Liked
Tuesday, January 17, 2006

My thoughts are with you during this time.