Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Thomas Kelley Obituary
January 5, 1944-September 25, 2015
North Myrtle Beach, SC
Thomas H. Kelley, 71 passed away September 25, 2015 in Myrtle Beach, SC. He was born January 5, 1944 in Manchester, CT a son of the late George and Harriet Berry Kelley. Thomas was a Major League Baseball player with the Cleveland Indians, Atlanta Braves and ended his career with the New York Mets. After his baseball career ended he worked for UPS for fifteen years retiring as a center manager. He moved to Myrtle Beach after his retirement so he could play as much golf as possible. Survivors include his loving wife, Diane M. Kelley of North Myrtle Beach, SC; a son, Michael Kurtz of Roanoke, VA; a sister, Carol Dixon (Harry) of Salinas, CA; two brothers, Michael J. Kelley (Evelyn) of Bloomfield, CT and George Kelley (Marie) of Enfield, CT; a grandchild, Jordan Kurtz of Roanoke, VA; a sister-in-law, Donna Merusi (Jim) of Rochester, MA and many nieces and nephews. The family will hold a private service at their convenience. Memorials may be made to NMB Humane Society 409 Bay Street, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582. An online guestbook is available at www.msfh.net.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Kelley
RLB
November 26, 2021
Many in Manchester, CT, followed Tom when he pitched for MHS and with the American Legion Team during the early sixties. Then when he was with the Cleveland and Atlanta organizations. I wish he had done more in the major leagues. What matters is that he got there and then came back.
Shelby Pippin
July 17, 2016
So sorry to hear, we loved him at holiday sands motel where we have been staying for 16 years . He was such a wonderful treasure. Love from
Hurt va the Pippin household
JANET SOYARS
October 19, 2015
Diane and family,I just found out about Tom's death.I'm so very sorry for your loss. Working with Tom at UPS and keeping our friendship after you guys moved to Myrtle Beach. My prayers are with you . Love Janet Soyars
Ronnie Linda Jones
October 14, 2015
Diane , Michael , I just found out today about my friend Tom .We are truly sorry beyond words .I have so many memories and stories with him and deeply saddened , you are in our prayers and I feel your sorrow .
How you can show support
Notify Me
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Tom Kelley warming up at Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL.
Maurice Doss
October 6, 2015
I will pray for your family Tom, as I am sad to see another legend passing away this year. I will remember you as a pitcher who pitched with grace, as you took the field with no hesitation.
David Risner
October 4, 2015
It was my sincere honor to have known Tom for 15 years. Though, upon reflection, now seems like a blink of the eye.
Tom was a great man in possession of a vibrant sense of humor. And so it is, as such, he shall forever be remembered. God speed, my friend. I miss you.
Brian Martin
October 3, 2015
Sorry to hear of Toms passing. He was a great friend growing up. Thought of him often while watching Braves baseball. He made me laugh all the time, was a great athlete and even better human being. I surely miss him. Best wishes and love to the entire Kelley family.
Richard McHugh
October 2, 2015
We pray for Tom and the Kelley family. Tom will be remembered at the January dinner in NYC of the NY NJ MLB Writers' Association.
L. S.
October 2, 2015
Diane,Michael and Jordan,you have my deepest sympathy on your immeasurable loss.May the God of loyal love comfort you during your time of sorrow. Psalms 145:8
Ken Rooke
October 1, 2015
Diane, today my thoughts and prayers are for you and your family, Tom was a huge inspiration to all of the kids on the block and I have many fond memories from those days in the 60's, I'm saddened by your loss.
Steven Kelley
September 29, 2015
Uncle Tom - It is so sad to know that you are gone - you will always be remembered in my thoughts and prayers. Steve
Jen Bellemare
September 29, 2015
Dear Aunt Diane, Michael & Jordan, I'm thankful for all the great memories and good times we shared. So many great Christmas's and vacations full of laughs...oh ya and me cracking up Uncle Tom's Car...But he saved me from the ladies and took the blame:-) I wish I could be with you but please know We love you all and wish you strength at this difficult time. Love, Jen, Wayne, Andrew and Katelyn XOXO
JERRY FRANKS
September 28, 2015
Tom was a very good friend. I have played golf with him many years and will be missed greatly as well as our other golfing buddies will too. Very sorry to all the family for your loss.
September 28, 2015
Diane, Donna and I are saddened by Toms passing as we just found out today. I will miss him dearly and have you all in my prayers. Love Freddy
September 27, 2015
Diane, Michael and Jordan our heartfelt love to you at this sad time for you.
You are in our prayers. Love in His name Jerry & Ann
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas Kelley's name
Memorial Events
for Thomas Kelley
Funeral services provided by:
McMillan-Small Funeral Home & Crematory910 67th Ave North P.O. Box 7506, Corner of 67th Ave. And Bypass 17, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas Kelley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
