Ralph Stewart Kelly, Jr.

Ralph Stewart Kelly, Jr., loving husband, devoted father, grandfather, and brother, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2021, at age 76. Ralph was predeceased by his parents, Ralph Stewart Kelly, Sr., and Martha Jones Kelly, of Chauncey, GA. He is survived by his wife Gloria Hilliard Kelly of Dublin, GA; two sons, Chadwick Stewart Kelly (Robin) of Atlanta, GA, and Dane Hilliard Kelly (Robin) of Athens, GA; a daughter, Karla Kelly Reid (Sammy) of Birmingham, AL; six grandchildren: Reagan, Hill, and Owen Kelly, all of Athens, GA, Miles, Griffin, and Stewart Reid, all of Birmingham, AL; six siblings: Saralyn Kelly Entrekin (Marshall) of Eatonton, GA; John Caswell Kelly, Sr. (Linda) of Chauncey, Brinda Kelly Stanley of Chauncey, Linda Kelly Covington (Melton) of Thomasville, Kerry Kelly Graham (Wayne) of Chauncey, and Jan Kelly Loyd (Frankie) of Chauncey; one sister-in-law: Sue Hilliard Barron (Tommy) of Rhine, GA; and one very special and devoted brother-in-law, Rick Hilliard of Rhine. Ralph was born on February 12, 1945, in McRae, GA. He graduated from Dodge County High School in 1963. A lifetime fan of his beloved Dawgs, Ralph earned a Bachelor of Business degree with a major in Accounting from the University of Georgia in 1967. He was a Certified Public Accountant, a partner at Christian, Kelly, Thigpen, & Co. in Dublin, GA, and retired in 2013 after 45 years of service in the firm. Ralph took great pride in serving all of his clients. He had a special affinity for his elderly clients, and always made time to visit with them on a personal level. Ralph was a member of the Forum Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church in Dublin, and greatly enjoyed attending that class. He volunteered with the American Red Cross for many years in various capacities, including service as Chairman of the Finance Committee. Ralph was a lifelong fisherman who fished frequently with his father, brother, and sons. Known as "Poppy" to his grandchildren, he delighted in their visits, and in visiting them. He was their playmate, and he especially enjoyed completing puzzles with his nephews. Ralph and Gloria had a loving, adventurous marriage, having traveled extensively throughout Europe, instilling in their children a love of travel and adventure as well. He loved being with people, and in his later years enjoyed socializing with his closest friends at the Dublin Country Club where he was a member. He loved playing golf with his wife and other couples. An avid history buff (especially World War II), Ralph was also known for his quick wit, his infectious smile, his storytelling, and his kind spirit. He was generous, genuine person and loved by all who knew him. The family will receive visitors between 5:00 and 7:00 pm on Saturday, March 13, at the Stanley Funeral Home in Dublin, GA. A graveside funeral service will be held Sunday, March 14 at 2:00 PM at the Chauncey City Cemetery, North Railroad Avenue; Chauncey, GA 31011. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ralph's memory to the American Red Cross or the general fund of the First Baptist Church in Dublin, GA. Stanley Funeral Home and Crematory/Dublin Chapel is in charge of the funeral arrangements.