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.
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17 Condolence(s)
Brian P Simmons
Saturday, January 10, 2026
Mr. Kelly, Was a friend and Teacher
As member of Pulaski Heights Baptist Church. He taught Bible study. And
Always a source of Learning from every conversation. I had with Mr.Kelly
God bless, The Kelly Family
Lucy Himstedt
Monday, January 5, 2026
I am so sorry to learn of Chuck's passing and offer heartfelt condolences to his family. I met Chuck when I was a young reporter/producer at KTHV after he was already at AP&L. He was a nice guy and very tolerant of a green reporter trying to understand the nuances of rate cases and other utility issues. RIP.
Ann McDonald
Sunday, January 4, 2026
Margaret, I am saddened by the news of Chuck's passing. I always felt fortunate to have known the two of you through the Arkansas Fly Fishers. You and Chuck always seemed to be completely devoted to each other. Bill McDonald and Chuck were great friends at the club meetings, on the water and social events. At one of the dinners, I asked if Margaret was there; Chuck snapped his fingers and said ''I knew I forgot something!'' He was a joy to be around. Those week long trips to the San Juan River in New Mexico were legendary. Some of those tales were priceless and I can remember some of them referring to Chuck Kelly's spot on the river; the picnic baskets you always packed for the long two day trip. There are so many wonderful memories. Bill has been gone three years. Surely there's fly fishing in heaven. You are in my thoughts and prayers during these most difficult times.
Jessica & Ryan Zerr, Eli and Caleb
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Great is a word many will use to describe Chuck Kelly as we all wrap our heads around a world without him, but only a few get to call him Great-Uncle Chuck. His stories, his advice, his toasts, and, most of all, his love and care, keep him forever part of us. The things I, and later my husband and children, learned from him form a very long list, indeed. Today, two of his lessons stand above all others: choose your life partner well and be proud of your children. Great-Aunt Margaret, Joe, and Anne, how he loved you all. We offer up prayers for comfort and send you our love across the miles. How greatly he will be missed!
Jim Herden
Monday, December 29, 2025
Chuck joined the old AP&L several months after me. It was a joy to work with him. My prayers are with the whole family. May Chuck's memory be always a blessing.
Wanda Bray
Monday, December 29, 2025
So sorry to hear about Chuck. I have fond memories of you all from Bob's days at KTHV. Prayers for strength, comfort, and peace in the days ahead.
Diane Park
Monday, December 29, 2025
Chuck has had a presence in much of my life. I grew up in southeast Arkansas, and I ''knew'' Chuck as an anchor on KTHV news. Later, I was on Chuck's team at Entergy, and I am appreciative of his leadership. His ''Chuck-isms'' often come to my mind. I offer sincere condolences to the Kelly family and to the numerous friends who interacted with Chuck often in the various communities in which he was a mainstay.
Jerry Carlton
Monday, December 29, 2025
So sad to hear that Chuck passed away. Worked with him a long time at AP&L/Entergy. A fun person to be around. He will be missed. Our prayers go out to all the family during this time of loss. God bless.
Jerry & Ann Carlton
Ray Tucker
Monday, December 29, 2025
An Arkansas broadcast legend
Charles and Roberta Harshaw
Sunday, December 28, 2025
Condolences to family. Kelly was a great boss and greater friend for over 50 years. Will be missed.
Stephen wilson
Sunday, December 28, 2025
He was a great guy and a great boss. He will be missed.
Stephen wilson
Sunday, December 28, 2025
He was a great guy and a great boss. He will be missed.
Stephen wilson
Sunday, December 28, 2025
He was a great guy and a great boss. He will be missed.
Caro Faye Mills
Sunday, December 28, 2025
My prayers are with the Family , I have good memories of Chuck when I started with AP&L, Chuck had takes my Son hunting once.
Dorothy J. Diuncan
Saturday, December 27, 2025
I knew Chuck from his AP&L/Entergy days. I knew he had been a television personality previously, so, I thought he would be a standoffish type person. Nothing could have been further from the truth! We became good friends, even though he was a VP, and I was just a staff person, not even a part of his group. He was always welcoming and down to earth. We had many long talks together where he shared his life story. I never tired of listening to his stories in that beautiful voice of his. His was a voice that was definitely meant to be heard! I love Chuck and I will surely miss him.
Margaret and family, my sincere condolences. You were his rock and I'm so thankful you were there for him when he needed you the most!
I won't say ''goodbye'', Chuck, just ''so long''. I pray I will see you again in the by and by!
To God be the Glory!
Marianne Youngblood Schoonover
Saturday, December 27, 2025
My prayers are with Margaret and the "kids". I have thought of you all often through the years. Love to all.
Bette Callaway
Saturday, December 27, 2025
Margaret, I am stunned and saddened by Chuck's passing. We Callaways all loved him and were often in awe of his accomplishments. You are in my prayers. Love to Anne and Joe.
Bette