Dr. Harold J. Kelly, 81, of Foley, former resident of Muscle Shoals, died after an extended illness Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at his home, surrounded by family and loved ones.
He was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother. He will be deeply missed.
He was born July 7, 1926 in Covington, Ky. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during World War II.
He attended Holy Cross High School in Latonia, Ky., graduated from Villa Madona College in Covington, Ky., in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He also attended the University of Kentucky and the University of DAyton.
He moved to Birmingham accompanied by his wife, Mary Jo. There he worked as a chemist at Southern Industrial Research Institute to pay his way through medical school at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, where he received his medical degree in May 1959.
He then moved to Muscle Shoals where he began his medical practice in 1960. He immensely enjoyed his family medical practice for 32 years until he was forced to retire due to illness in 1992. He and his family attended Our Lady of the Shoals Catholic Church in Tuscumbia.
He enjoyed working on his farm, however, his greatest passions were his family and practicing medicine; serving his patients and watching their children grow. Those who knew him best remember him as sincere and genuine with a great sense of humor.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jo Kelly; his parents, John and Sally Kelly; brother, John; and sisters, Lorraine, Rita and Alice.
Survivors include four daughters, Kathy (Dennis) Tidwell of Foley, Libby Leyh of Panama City, Fla., Tish (Joon) Park of Houston and Grace Casey of Panama City Beach, Fla.; three sons, Hall (Tammy) Kelly of Bolivar, Mo., Mike Kelly of New Orleans and Pat Kelly of Chicago; 14 grandchildren, Michael (Amber), Matthew (Dusty), Josh (Nicole), Jeremy Fields, Dustin, Keith (Charity), Kevin, Lauren, Megan, Andrew, Andrea, Meredith, Cullen, and Corey; and 12 great-grandchildren, Katelyn Fields, Mallory, Tanner, Charity Fields, Christian, Joshua, Justin, Jordan Fields, Anna Grace Fields, Kaitlyn, Brooklyn, Raylee, Devon and Sally Jo; two sisters, Mary (Pat) Byrns of Crestview Hills, Ky., and Patricia Egan of Covington, Ky.; numerous nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank all of his supportive friends, former employees, and former patients in the Shoals area. They would laos like to express their deep appreciation to Jerry and Mary Fields, Suntrust Bank Trust Department, Florence; his physician, Dr. Enrico Eslava, Gulf Shores; his compassionate care givers in Foley, Jessie Foster, Regina Jones, Peaches Patterson, Ethel Bodiford, Rena Wix, Lucinda Scott and Christine Nocent; as well as former caregivers, his wonderful hospice nurse, Robin Wilson, and the entire staff of Community Hospice, who tirelessly and lovingly cared for his needs and who all stood by his side in his final moments.
Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. with a Celebration of Life service at 11 a.m. Friday, June 20 at Spry Funeral Home in Florence with Father Kevin McGrath, O.S.B., officiating. Inurnment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Tuscumbia. The family would like to invite friends to join them at the parish hall of Our Lady of the Shoals Catholic Church for fellowship and sharing fond memories.
The family requests memorial donations be made to Community Hospice, 2770 S. McKenzie St. Suite C., Foley, AL 36535.
Local arrangements are by Cason Funeral Service, Foley.
