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Obituary For Charles Franklin Kelly
Charles Franklin Kelly, age 87, of Buford, Georgia, passed away peacefully at home on February 19, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 13, 1937, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, to the late Herman and Opal Webb Kelly. Charles was a devoted son, brother, father, and grandfather, and his life will be remembered with love and admiration by all who knew him.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents and his twin sister, Carroll Frances Kelly. He is survived by his two children: his son, Matthew Kelly, and his wife Brittany, and his daughter, Gina Burke, and her husband Chris. He is also cherished by his four grandchildren: Liam Franklin Kelly (age 10), Wyatt Kelly (age 8), Emma Kelly (age 4), and Lane Hyden (age 25), who is married to Madison.
A proud veteran, Charles served 4 years in the United States Air Force, honoring his country with dedication. Throughout his life, he worked in a variety of roles, including at Heckman Book Bindery, and retired twice—first from Eckerd Drug Store, where he worked for over 15 years, and later from Gwinnett County Schools, where he was a special needs bus driver for 17 years. His work ethic, kindness, and sense of responsibility touched many lives, and he left a legacy of hard work and compassion.
After retiring, Charles made his home with his son, Matthew, and his family in Buford, Georgia, where he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, who brought him immense joy. He was deeply loved by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
Charles will be laid to rest alongside his parents and twin sister in Brownsville, Kentucky, where he will find eternal peace. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his unwavering love for his family and his kind, generous spirit.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Charles’ memory to a charity of your choice.
Rest in peace, Charles. You will always be in our hearts.
The staff of Central Cremation Services is honored to be selected to provide end-of-life services.
(If you order flowers, you must obtain a delivery address from a family member. Please do not send flowers to the crematory)
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My family met Mr. Charles 19 years ago when he drove my son to school for the first time. As parents of a special needs child, it is very uncalming to have to let them go. Mr. Charles played such a huge role in our daily life in making sure we knew that he would take care of our son while he was in his care. What a wonderful man he was; an angel to us. I called his phone today to tell him that my son has reached the milestone of aging out of school(22) and no more school bus and I was informed by my son's current driver that Mr. Charles had passed. I sent heartfelt condolences to the family with a big warm hug for sharing him with parents like me. He will always be remembered for his sweet and gracious acts of kindness toward our family. May you all be blessed and find peace!
Charles you were such a sweet man. Enjoyed that school year I met you, driving for Grayson High School. Gave great hugs. You will be missed.
Oh Charles, you are already missed down here. Your family's love for you was so inspiring. You were blessed by them and you were definitely a blessing to them and anyone who crossed your path. You were kind and a gentleman always. The world seemed a better place after a visit with you. Rest in peace my friend.
I met Charles when he drove school bus for Gwinnett County. We had dated for several for months. Charles had a heart of gold. Charles was a kind and gentle man. He will be missed by his AMAZING family who was by his side the last several years. They provided Charles with the best care. Matthew, Brittany and the grand children were his life. May Charles RIP. He will be missed by many.
Charles was a dear friend and neighbor. Charles was always there to offer a smile, encouragement and help in anyway needed. Charles valued and respected everyone and loved his family dearly. Charles will always have a special place in my heart. I am richly blessed by the inspiration of this wonderful friend. Thoughts and prayers are being lifted for the family at this difficult time. Rest in peace My Wonderful Friend.
It feels just like yesterday,I was with him some hours before he passed.Charles was such a loving man,I am glad I was part of his life when he needed help the most,he will be forever in my heart. I miss him so much❤️.
Mr Charles was such a kind man. He ALWAYS had a smile on his face and I just loved his laugh. He was dearly loved by many at Gwinnett County Public School Transportation department - drivers, monitors, staff, the students who were privileged to ride his bus, and their parents. He will be missed. I will continue to pray for the family for the days weeks and months ahead. May God's Holy Spirit comfort and strengthen you during your time of grief. )2 Corinthians 1:3,4)
