Obituary of George Joseph Kelly

George Joseph Kelly, 86, of Bedford, Va passed away from natural causes on October 24, 2018 at his home. He was born July 6, 1932 in Queens, NY to Charles Fassett Kelly and Naomi Wegman Kelly. He grew up with nine siblings in Smallwood, NY, a place he called “a paradise on earth”.

George married Barbara Hope Benson. They raised four children.

A retired Master Chief, he proudly served 23 years in the US Navy. He was a Korean and Vietnam War veteran. After military retirement he had a second career in the beekeeping industry, serving as manager of Dadant & Sons Beekeeping Supply in Lynchburg, Va for 21 years.

He was a member of the Fleet Reserve Association, the VFW, American Legion Post 19 and the Piedmont Beekeeping Association. He was of the Christian faith and a member and song leader at Cornerstone Church of Christ.

He is survived by his children: John, Michael and his wife Anne, Kathleen Wilsey, Karen Glennon and her husband Tom; grandchildren: Kaitlyn McQuigg, Kristin Sloan, Tara Kelly, Steven Kelly, Heather Wilsey, Daniel Wilsey, Hannah Glennon, Emma Glennon and Carter Glennon; great grandchildren: Cole McQuigg and Brooklin McQuigg.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; his daughter in law, Linda; his brothers, William, Daniel, and James; his sisters, Mary Durkin, Meddie Schwamberger, Ruth Norton and Naomi Durkin.

George was a joyful man full of generosity, gratitude and integrity. He had a big smile and a great laugh. He enjoyed a life well lived and will be missed by all who knew him.

The family would like to give special thanks to his daughter, Kathleen, who had the joy of sharing his laughter as she lived with him these past four years.

A memorial service will be held at 12 noon, November 3, 2018 at Updike Funeral Home in Bedford immediately followed by a Celebration of Life gathering at the Community Room of the Bedford
Welcome Center from 1-4pm.