Robert Henry Kelly

Dec 28, 1939 -

Jun 2, 2020

Robert H. Kelly was born on Dec. 28, 1939, to the late Robert E. and Golda Kelly in DuQuoin, Ill. He graduated from DuQuoin Township High School. Robert was inducted into in the United States Air Force in 1958, and was honorably discharged in 1962.

Robert - Elder Kelly - was the Assistant Pastor of the Greater Friendly Temple Church of God In Christ, Anchorage, Alaska, and President of the church Trustee Board. He also served in many leadership capacities under the late Bishop Charles D. Williams, emeritus. Their long-term relationship initiated in the early 70s. Elder Kelly will be remembered for his uniqueness as the project manager of constructing multiple improvements and new built projects at Greater Friendly Temple Church.

Robert was a phenomenal husband, dad, and mentored many men by sharing his faith, wisdom, experience and vocation.

Robert retired as Construction Coordinator from Alaska Housing in 2016. His strong work ethic, exemplary qualities as a builder and architectural designs encompassed his lifetime.

On June 2, 2020, Robert in his quiet strength was promoted to glory after an ephemeral battle with cancer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert E. Kelly and Golda McLemore; the mother of their five children, Mary C. Kelly; his sister, Maurnice A. Simpson; his brother, Douglas E. Kelly; and his daughter, Dorrea F. Toole.

Robert is survived by his wife of 19 years, Jacqueline; his siblings, Mary Lynn Taylor, Mamie C. Meeks (Lewis) and Alva (Leon) Kelly (Lindell); his children, Donte L. Kelly (Esther), Dwynda L. Kelly, Deborah R. Kelly and Robert H. Kelly Jr. (Jamie); his blended children, Corey J. Williams (Candace), Chareef J. Williams and Courtney J. Goodballet (Don); and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family members and church family.