Gary Ray Kelley

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Visitation Schedule
Marion Jr. High School Gym
Carter Dr.
Marion, AR  72364
Saturday, January 2, 2021
8:00am - 11:00am
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Marion Jr. High School Gym
Carter Dr.
Marion, AR  72364
Saturday, January 2, 2021
12:00 PM
Cemetery
Crittenden Memorial Park
2206 Highway 64 West
Marion, AR  72364

Gary Ray Kelley

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.

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58 Condolence(s)
STEVE GRIFFIN
TYRONZA, AR
Liked
Thursday, January 21, 2021

CHARLENE, DANIEL AND ALL THE FAMILY, I WAS DEEPLY SADDEN BY YOUR LOSS AND LOSS OF A DEAR FRIEND, HAD KNOWN GARY, HIS BROTHERS AND HIS DAD WHEN WE FARMED AND FROM BAILING HAY AROUND HORSESHOE AND WHEN WE HAD CABIN AT HORSESHOE. MY SON STEVEN WAS ON FIRE DEPT AT MARION AND ALL WOULD TELL ME ALL THE TIME THAT GARY ASKED HOW WE WERE DOING ANYTIME HE SAW STEVEN. DEEPLY MISSED SEEING HIM ALMOST DAILY WHILE WE LIVED IN MARION AND WORKED AT JOHN DEERE IN MARION BEFORE TRANSFERING TO JOHN DEERE IN MARKED TREE. HE WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED MY ME, OUR SON STEVEN AND ALL THAT KNEW HIM!!

Daniel and Mary Ann (Towery) Funderburg
HUGHES, AR
Liked
Monday, January 4, 2021

We were so sorry to hear about the loss of Mr. Gary. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God bless and comfort each of you! He was a dear sweet friend since I was a little girl. He will be missed greatly.

Grady and Willa Collum
Hughes, AR
Liked
Monday, January 4, 2021

We are deeply saddened by the loss that you and your family have encountered. It was an honor to have known such a great person and we will truly miss him. May God embrace you in comfort during this difficult time.

Fred and Kim Hollowell
Marion, AR
Liked
Monday, January 4, 2021

Charlene and Daniel,
We just wanted to let you know that we are praying for you and know that we are here for you if you need anything. Love you both.
Fred and Kim Hollowell

Merilou McDaniel
Marion, AR
Liked
Monday, January 4, 2021

Prayers for healing and peace for the family . God bless you all ANGELS AROUND YOU may you know we will see them again one day. He was a great man and will be remembered for ever 🕆💜

Roy Blaylock. Deaf Mortician
Jackson, TN
Liked
Sunday, January 3, 2021

My deepest condolences to you all the family. I was always inspired by Gary and his father in law in their love in
Law enforcement and their humanity

OD & Nannette Baker
Marion, AR
Liked
Saturday, January 2, 2021

Prayers for strength in abundance for the family & dear friends.
Phil 4:13

Jacklyn K Pitts
WEST MEMPHIS, AR
Liked
Saturday, January 2, 2021

Chief Kelly you will be missed God wrap his arms around your Beautiful Family and hold them close. angles walk with them always. Rest in Peace my Friend

Dean and Anne Creekmore
Marion, AR
Liked
Saturday, January 2, 2021

We are so sorry for the loss of this great man.

Mike, Melissa,Joel, Garrett Sargent
Marion, AR
Liked
Saturday, January 2, 2021

Prayers to you and your family . God is always with you.

Loretta Tacker
Marion,, AR
Liked
Saturday, January 2, 2021

My heart breaks for this family. Gary was not only the Police Chief he was a great friend who loved this city and the people in it. He will be greatly missed. My prayers for Charlene and Daniel and the rest of the family-may God give them peace and comfort during this difficult time. 🙏🙏🙏

Connie Dail and Lt Margie Poole
Marion, AR
Liked
Saturday, January 2, 2021

Our deepest condolences to the Family and our dear friend Patsy Foster. We are so heartbroken for your family’s loss. Chief Kelley was without a doubt a great gentleman and a blessing to our town! Margie and I will miss him picking at us. Rest In Peace Chief Kelley your work here is done and is appreciated by many. You will forever be remembered.

Jane C. Williamson
,
Liked
Saturday, January 2, 2021

I

Vanessa Basemore
Marion, AR
Liked
Saturday, January 2, 2021

Chief Kelley you will be missed by many.

Paula Howerton
Marion, AR
Liked
Saturday, January 2, 2021

Charleen: You, Daniel, Misty and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Paula Howerton

Margaret McHaney
Frisco, TX
Liked
Friday, January 1, 2021

Gary’s bigger-than-life personality is resonating in me and my family at this time of personal loss. His presence and influence will be felt by his beloved city of Marion, his loving family, and law enforcement agencies - all of which he served with unwavering passion and love.
I pray for comfort and peace during the coming days for the Kelley family. Charlene and Daniel need a special measure of love and prayer that will come from all of us who called Gary family.
Margaret McHaney
Bently Dorman
Lauralea Tanner

JR Griggs
West Memphis, AR
Liked
Friday, January 1, 2021

My God's Grace and Goodwill comfort and support everyone in the Kelley family. I'll miss you Chief.

Dennis and Lethia Cupples
Hughes, AR
Liked
Friday, January 1, 2021

We were so sorry for your loss. Gary was a great and very godly man. Your family will be in our prayers that you will have peace and comfort.

Kathy Chism
Proctor, AR
Liked
Friday, January 1, 2021

Charleen and Daniel, I am so sorry for your loss. Chief Kelley was a great man and he will be dearly missed by everyone he knew. My heart goes out to the both of you and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers

Steven Boswell
Apex, NC
Liked
Friday, January 1, 2021

A good guy and a good law man.

Judy Baker
Marion, AR
Liked
Friday, January 1, 2021

You will miss Gary’s physical presence, but his spirit will live on in your hearts. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Jon & Zada Payne
Marion, AR
Liked
Friday, January 1, 2021

We are so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. His presence will be missed.

Richard,Eva and Jimmy O'Beirne
Marion, AR
Liked
Friday, January 1, 2021

We are so sorry for your loss and so thankful to get to know him through church. He was always there for anyone who needed him. He touched a lot of lives and made a difference, he leaves a hole that can't be filled. God Bless and help you through this. Your memories will be your treasures until you meet again.

The Vest Family
Marion, AR
Liked
Friday, January 1, 2021

A great man and a great friend. Our hearts are heavy with the sorrow of his passing.

The Vest Family
Marion, AR
Liked
Friday, January 1, 2021

A great man and a great friend. Our hearts are heavy with the sorrow of his passing.

Jearl & Debbie Cromeans
West Memphis, AR
Liked
Friday, January 1, 2021

Gary was a good person & will be greatly missed. Prayers for the family.

Rico Belotti
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Friday, January 1, 2021

I am so sad to read of Gary’s passing. I have many fond memories of our time together with the MPD. Lot’s of hours riding shotgun with him. Gary was one of the best and Marion was blessed to have him. I regret that Ginny and I will not be able to come to his services, but please know we will be thinking about you all. May light perpetual shine on Gary.

Kaye and Lynn Stanfield
Marion, AR
Liked
Friday, January 1, 2021

We are praying for the family of Gary. Knowing he is an angel is comforting to us and hope it is to family members. We will surely miss him. Goodbye Gary from "Mama and Papa" as he use to call us.i

Ansel Lee Wyllia
DARDANELLE, AR
Liked
Friday, January 1, 2021

Chief thank you for the opportunity to work in your department. Prayers to your family for comfort.

Phillip and Joyce Brown
Wynne, AR
Liked
Friday, January 1, 2021

Love and peace to all of Gary's family.

Haley Jones
Marion, AR
Liked
Friday, January 1, 2021

You will be so dearly missed Chief! Even after leaving Marion you always greeted me when I would come visit. I’ll always be “kid”, “turkey”, and even “peanut”. Thank you for all of your hugs and dedication.

David Bassford
Marion, AR
Liked
Friday, January 1, 2021

Chief Gary Kelley was a brother in law enforcement and a dear friend. The chief will be deeply missed in the Marion community. Prayers for his family and Rest In Piece my brother until we meet against. Your tour of duty is complete.

Jane Krablin
Marion, AR
Liked
Thursday, December 31, 2020

Gary you have left a vacancy in our town and in our lives, we will miss you for your smile, kindness, and many services you provided each of us, many prayers for Charleen , Daniel, your brothers and sisters. Be our Guardian Angel and keep watch over us.

Mary I Carter
Marion, AR
Liked
Thursday, December 31, 2020

You will be greatly missed. Enjoy your Heavenly Home.

Bill Yen
West Memphis, AR
Liked
Thursday, December 31, 2020

Will always remember you as a wonderful person and chief. Will always miss you. Prayers are with the whole family.

J and Sheila Southard
Lexa, AR
Liked
Thursday, December 31, 2020

We offer our sincerest condolences to the Kelley family at this time. We will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. RIP - Gary...

Ronald Neal
Marion, AR
Liked
Thursday, December 31, 2020

See you soon

Taylor Archer Bagwell
Marion, AR
Liked
Thursday, December 31, 2020

I believe the character of a man is reflected clearly in the children he raises. Gary Kelly selflessly served his community. He and Charleen raised one of the finest men I’ve known. He will be mourned by this community. May his family find comfort and peace.

Brenda Neal
Marion, AR
Liked
Thursday, December 31, 2020

You will be missed my best buddy. Till we meet again 💔

Steve and Kathy Harrison
Hernando, MS
Liked
Thursday, December 31, 2020

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. May the Lord give you comfort and peace.

Patricia Bassford Morris
Pocahontas, AR
Liked
Thursday, December 31, 2020

Chief Kelley you were such a sweet caring man you will missed and I will continue to prayer for your family during this difficult time.

Randy and Wendy Stringer
Jonesboro, AR
Liked
Thursday, December 31, 2020

Gary was a nice man. Our condolences are with family. Prayers and hugs to all.

Dana Robbins
Marion,
Liked
Thursday, December 31, 2020

We will cling to the sweet memories! Prayers lifted for family!

Peggy Sue Bonds
Marion, AR
Liked
Thursday, December 31, 2020

We love you dearly Gary Kelley ....you have been such a dear friend through the years. Your loving family has always been there for all of us. Prayers for your family...Sue, Kay, and Joe Bonds

Jim and Stella Dilling
Marion, AR
Liked
Thursday, December 31, 2020

We are so sorry to hear about the death of Chief Kelley.
Death may take our loved ones but it can't steal the memories.
Prayers for the family. May you find comfort and peace with your memories and with God's help. He will certainly be missed .
Sincerely Jim and Stella Dilling

Bob Walker
Marion, AR
Liked
Thursday, December 31, 2020

I knew Gary from the time he was little boy he was a fine you boy grew to a fine man and family man and officer will be missed

Lorri Sanders
Marion, AR
Liked
Thursday, December 31, 2020

Prayers for you and your family. Our community was blessed to have the Chief not only as our chief but as a friend.

Eddie & Teri Boon
Gilmore, AR
Liked
Thursday, December 31, 2020

GK was definitely always faithful to his God ordained calling to that of a police officer. He loved his family and his community deeply. From day one he was always eager to help each year with Centurions. Some people may think he is now 10-7. But we know because of his faith in Christ he is now & forever 10-8 with Him. 2Cor.5:6-8. Our thoughts & prayers are with you Charlene & family.

Rodney DeShields Sr and the DeShids family
Westmemphis, AR
Liked
Thursday, December 31, 2020

Chief we love you and you will be missed. Thank you for allowing me to work for you and also becoming your friend. I will never forget the life skills that you help me with. Rest easy we have the watch from here.

Debora Norville
Marion, AR
Liked
Wednesday, December 30, 2020

We have been truly blessed to have you watching over us and helping us out through the years. You will be greatly missed but Heaven is receiving a Great Man!

Pam Young
West Memphis, AR
Liked
Wednesday, December 30, 2020

I have known Gary since 1977. He was a good man and will be missed. Praying for his family.

Billy Goacher
Hughes, AR
Liked
Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Gary was a great guy!

Debora Norville
Marion, AR
Liked
Wednesday, December 30, 2020

We have been truly blessed to have you watching over us and helping us out through the years. You will be greatly missed but Heaven is receiving a Great Man!

Derrick Westmoreland
Southaven, MS
Liked
Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Chief Kelley
Thanks for giving me the opportunity once I came out of the Marine Corps to serve the great citizens of Marion and pursue my lifelong dream. You have always been a great leader and Mentor.
We now have the Watch. Rest Easy and continue to watch over us.

Lieutenant Derrick Westmoreland
US Department of Veteran Affairs

Wesley Smith
Earle, AR
Liked
Wednesday, December 30, 2020

I'm going to miss you Chief! You taught us a lot about life and law enforcement. We had many good times together. I will continue to pray for the family and watch over them. RIP Chief. We have the watch from here.

Donna Palmer
Cherokee Village, AR
Liked
Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I worked with Gary many years while I was in the courthouse. We are so sorry.

Amy Sisson
Magnolia, AR
Liked
Wednesday, December 30, 2020

So sorry for you loss. Gary was always so helpful. Marion has grown so much since he became police chief but he was still so approachable. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

David & Amy Sisson

Peggy Roberts
proctor, AR
Liked
Wednesday, December 30, 2020

chief Kelley you are going to be missed by many people. You were a great man.