of Little Rock, AR

January 17, 1937 - December 26, 2025

Charles ''Chuck'' L. Kelly, 88, of Little Rock, Ark., passed away peacefully at home, December 26, 2025. Born January 17, 1937, in Converse, La., he was the son of Joe and Alma Kelly. Chuck graduated from Leesville High School. He attended Louisiana State University.

In 1959, Chuck joined the U.S. Army, where he worked as a news writer and on-air personality for the Army's Home Town News Center/Community Forces Network. He often joked that between himself and Elvis, nobody was going to mess with the U.S.

Chuck's strong work ethic began early, he always had a job. At just 17, he landed his first radio DJ position in DeRidder, La. After his military service, he continued his broadcasting career at KALB-TV in Alexandria, La., KWKH Radio and KSLA-TV in Shreveport, La. In 1966, Chuck joined KTHV-TV, Channel 11, in Little Rock, where he served as news director and on-air anchor for 11 years.

He later transitioned into corporate communications when Arkansas Power & Light Company, now Entergy Arkansas, LLC, named him vice president of corporate communications. In this role, Chuck frequently served as a prominent spokesperson on company and energy-industry matters. Among his many notable contributions was his leadership in AP&L's commissioning of a song to commemorate the state's 1986 sesquicentennial. ''Arkansas You Run Deep in Me,'' written and performed by native Arkansan Wayland Holyfield, went on to become a beloved anthem and enduring symbol of Arkansas pride. He was later promoted to the vice president of corporate communications for Entergy Corporation at its headquarters in New Orleans, La. He retired from Entergy in 1996 and returned to Little Rock.

Chuck met the love of his life, Margaret Fletcher, in December 1962 and they were married just three months later. They spent their years together living in Louisiana and Arkansas and traveling the world, always adding to their extensive wine cork collection.

Known for his quick wit and gift for storytelling, Chuck never lacked for an audience. He loved duck hunting, fly fishing, a good book, and cheering on his LSU Tigers. Chuck was also known for his keen eye for talent. Many who worked for him,whether it was in a newsroom or in a corporate setting,say they owe much of their success to him.

His former employees all have their own list of ''Chuck-isms,'' including sayings like ''It's easier to find a new audience than write a new speech,'' and ''shoot wide and claim all that fall,'' or ''If you have to eat a frog, you don't want to look at it all day.'' But the phrase that appears on everyone's list is ''The truth well told.'' It served as a guiding principle throughout his career,whether he was working as a journalist or as a public relations leader for a Fortune 200 corporation.

Chuck was a member of Pulaski Heights Baptist Church and part of the Flock of Ages Sunday School Class for over 55 years.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Margaret; his son, Joe Kelly of Steamboat Springs, Co., daughter, Anne Kelly of Memphis, Tenn., niece Jacki Giesey, and nephew Bill Giesey. He was proceeded in death by his parents and sister, Helen Giesey of Natchitoches, La.

The family extends gratitude to the many friends and former co-workers who were a part of his life, laughing at his jokes or listening to his ''some of this is not true, but it ought to be stories. Special thanks are extended to Que Wright and Lew Dillahunty for their assistance with his care at home.

A celebration of Chuck's life will be held Tuesday, December 30, 11 a.m. at Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, 2200 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock. Visitation will follow the service. Chuck was an avid reader and history enthusiast. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Central Arkansas Library System.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com