of Marion, AR

November 16, 1957 - December 29, 2020

Gary Kelley, 63, passed away on Tuesday, December 29th at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis, TN. Gary was born on November 16, 1957 in West Memphis, AR to Joseph Dolton and Mamie Kelley.

Gary decided to attend the Arkansas Police Academy after developing a love for police work through his first job with the Arkansas Juvenile Department. Chief Kelley was an ardent member of the Marion Police Department for 38 years and served as the Chief of Police for 13 years. While Chief, he served as president of the Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police and a member of Centurions for Christ, where he was awarded Centurion of the Year (2011). He took joy in serving the community alongside his fellow law enforcement officers, and could always be counted on to fill in for crossing guard duty.

In his free time, he loved to show off his John Deere collection and to work in his garden, where he grew the best tomatoes, okra, and eggplants. He was an avid hunter and fisher, a passion that he shared with his beloved son, Daniel, and was famous for his fried fish, smoked hams, and turkeys. On Wednesday nights, you could count on finding he, his wife, and the crew at Uncle Johns and their other local haunts. Gary always stood tall with his larger-than-life personality, especially with his John Deere Hat.

Above all, Gary was a dedicated family man. He cherished his loving wife of 40 years, Charleen Kelley, and especially loved his role as a devoted father to his son, Daniel Kelley.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Dolton and Mamie Kelley; brother, JD Kelley; sister, Shirley Chrestman; and loyal dog, Bubba.

He is survived by his wife, Charleen Kelley of Proctor, AR; son, Daniel Kelley (Misty Burt) of Marion, AR; brothers, Jimmie Kelley of Southaven, MS and Morris Kelley (Diane) of Marion, AR; sisters, Carol Barlow of Marion, AR and Patsy Foster (Glen Foster) of Marion, AR; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Methodist Transplant Institute in honor of Gary Kelley.

Transplant Resource Center- Methodist Healthcare Foundation
PO Box 42048
Memphis, TN 38174
Director of Donor Services- Lori Dale- 901-478-0974

Roller-Citizens Funeral Home will be following guidelines issued by the Arkansas Department of Health and the CDC regarding COVID-19. Social distancing of at least six feet must be practiced and all funeral attendees must provide and wear their own mask.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
201 North Pine Street
West Memphis, AR  72303
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com