John Carlos Kelley, 87, of Batesville, AR, entered the gates of Heaven on Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Cave City, AR, surrounded by loving family. John was born on November 16, 1937, in Conway, AR, to the late Wesley H. Kelley and Iva (Fulmer) Kelley. John was of Christian faith and served the Lord by the way he lived his life and also as a member of the First Assembly of God in Cave City. He served his country honorably in the United States Army and the United States Air Force National Guard. John was a family man and a hard worker. He worked for Kroger as a Produce Manager for nearly 50 years. Some of his hobbies included fishing, camping, and gardening. He loved to be outdoors and grew a garden every year. Out of all his hobbies and passions, nothing meant more to John than being a husband to his wife of almost 63 years, the late Carolyn (Dickey) Kelley; and being a father, a grandfather, and more recently a great-grandfather. John was also a loving son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He will be dearly missed by everyone who was blessed to know and love him.
John is preceded in death by both of his parents; his loving wife, Carolyn Kelley; his son, James Edward Kelley; his 3 brothers, George Edward Kelley, William H. Kelley, and Argis Kelley; and his 3 sisters, Martha McDowell, Jennie Doane, and Mary Bernhardt. John is survived by his two daughters, Diane Pastrana and Linda Kelley; his brother, Franklin D. Kelley; his two granddaughters, Caitlin Vaugier (Charlie) and Grace Metcalf (Johnathan Morris); his two great-grandchildren, Charlee Kate Vaugier and Brooks Cason Vaugier; and several extended family members and friends.
Services are entrusted to Willis Funeral Service of Batesville, AR, and will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025, at the Willis Funeral Service Chapel. Visitation will be from 1 PM until 2 PM. The funeral service, officiated by Bro. Bobby Sanders, will be at 2 PM, with interment to follow at Oaklawn Cemetery immediately after the service.
