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Obituary For Robert Ford Kelley, Sr.
Robert F. Kelley, Sr., 106, of Columbus, GA, transitioned on Friday, October 25, 2025 at his home surrounded by loved ones. Robert was born August 14, 1919 in Schley County, Ellaville, GA to the late Will and Littie Hardison Kelley.
On April 27, 1939, Robert married Flossie McCray, and to this union eight children were born: Zelma (still born); Robert, Jr., William, Carolyn Ann, Shirley, Doris and Dorothy, and Rosalyn. They were faithfully married for 56 years until Flossie’s death in 1995.
Robert accepted Christ and joined Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church where he served in many capacities until his death. He was deeply devoted to church and cherished the friendships and fellowship he found there. He was a faithful member and leader, serving for 81 years. As a servant, he held such positions as Boy Scout leader, Tribe leader, Chairman of the Deacon and Trustee Board, Church Clerk, and Financial Secretary.
Robert always valued education, continually learning and preparing for future opportunities. Because of his diligence and work ethics, he subsequently retired from three jobs: Civil Service, The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer; and Muscogee County Board of Education.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, siblings, his son, Robert Ford Kelley, Jr. and son-in-law, Alvin Le’Nard Harris.
Robert leaves to celebrate his life his devoted children: William Kelley, Carolyn Kelly Wilson, Shirley Burnette (Henry), Doris Baker (Herman), Dorothy Herring (Otis), and Rosalyn Kelley Harris (Alvin, deceased); a brother-in-law, Joe McCray; two sisters-in-law, Lillie Tutt and Brenda Kelley, a devoted nephew, Harold Kelley, and a loyal caregiver, Alberta Moore. He also leaves to continue his legacy, 14 grandchildren: Robert F. Kelley, III, Tamika Ward, Dawn A. Wilson, Marcus K. Wilson (Ameisa), Daryl R. Burnette, Herman Kenneth Baker (Jacqueline), Derek L. Burnette, Robyn D. Kelley, Kelley Baker Whigham (Jerry), Addison Kelley, Alvin Le’Nard Harris II, David K. Herring, Duriel Kelley, and Otis Donovan Herring; 12 great-grandchildren: Lamont Tolliver, Keosha Brunette, Kenuan Tobias Baker, Briana N. Wilson, Tobias Edwards, Kennedy M. Wilson, Omarion Edwards, Cameron Baker, Kristopher Baker, Addison Sherrod Kelley, Sakari K. Wilson and Kamora Wesby; 1 great-great- grandchild: Kylan Baker and a multitude of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church. 409 Ford Drive, Columbus, GA, 31907. Service will be live-streamed from Https://mountpilgrimrest.org
Visitation will be open to the public Friday, October 31, 2025, from 2:00- 4:00 PM, at Progressive Funeral Home, 4235 St Marys Road, Columbus, GA, 31907.
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Cassandra Harris sent The Peace Lily for Robert Ford Kelley, Sr. - October 31, 2025
What a great and upright man sorry for your loss Carolyn. My deepest Condolences.
Sending prayers and condolences for the Kelly family.
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There are so many of us Kelley and you are the oldest in the Kelley family and l wanted to say love you and I hope to see you on haven.yes you made it through with Jesus Christ who you is with now. You are bless on earth and in heaven. Peace my family.
Sending our Condolences and Prayers to the family. 🙏🏽🙏🏽
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Our heartfelt prayers, thoughts and condolences are with The Kelly Family and may the Lord continue to bless and strengthen each of YOU is our PRAYER. KEEP THE FAITH FAMILY and BE BLESSED ALWAYS. 🙏 Erskine A Alexander Sr and Family.
Uncle Robert, Your life was truly a blessing to each and every one of us. Though you will be deeply missed, we will cherish every memory and hold your love and legacy close in our hearts until we meet again. Rest peacefully.
With Love, The Children of Andrew and Gussie 'McCray' Gardner
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Deacon Robert Kelley, we will miss you, thank you for the memories of his own life, so important to our very special statement, tremendously life, to God be the glory it so is. God bless you, the Kelley family!
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Robert F. Kelley will always be remembered as the deacon of church, he'll be missed
To the family of Robert F. Kelley, Sr. what a life makes his history, the family wants his spirits, and today he is gone at 106 years old, to god be the glory, it's a sorrow makes while the family and friends are devasted makes. It's a blessing, we're so sorry for your loss of their father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a great-great grandfather, because he had so many memories of his life, very faithful member of this church, so keep em' in prayers for the family! God bless his heart, and soul!
To the family of cousin Robert, May God strengthen, comfort and sustain you during this time. Know that earth have no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. Be Blessed 🙏 "Marva Ellis(daughter of Nina Gardner-Meadows)
To the family of Deacon Robert F. Kelley, Sr.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The passing of our Uncle Robert is a significant loss. His life and legacy have truly been remarkable. His kindness has impacted so many lives, and he has been a father figure for all of us. We thank God for allowing him to be with us for 106 years. His expressions of love, compassion, and support will always be remembered. He will be deeply missed!! With Much Love, Lillie and Alvis Tutt
Family, May you be wrapped with balance and grace. Let your inner light be your compass. May your hope ignite and your heart be filled with peace and strength.
My sincerely condolences to the Kelley family. I was so sorry to hear about Uncle Robert's passing. What a wonderful life he lived filled with wisdom, strength and love. He leaves a beautiful legacy. I am praying for the family during this time.
Kelley family you have my sincere and heartfelt condolences on the transition of your father. The memories y'all shared will now become treasures! Praying for the peace and comfort only God can give! Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal! Big hugs, love and prayers!!! (Bibsy) Tonie Griffith!
To my dearest family, you have my deepest sympathy and prayers. May God comfort and strengthen you during this time and the days ahead. Uncle Robert was a beautiful soul in every way. He is at rest and I will forever remember him in my heart. Love You All 💜
