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Richard Kelley Obituary
Much has been written about his love of sports and his being an avid outdoorsman. These activities included participating in marathons, triathlons, skiing, running, biking, and hiking. In addition to these activities, he also worked to maintain a nature trail at Bobblett's Gap along the Appalachian Trial. His attention to detail was evidenced by his taking the time to identify the plants along the portion of the trail he maintained. He was also known to leave provisions at the Bobblett's Gap shelter for the comfort of those who would use the facility for rest as they hiked along the trail.
During the colder months when he couldn't spend time outdoors, he would spend his time working with his longtime hobby of model railroading. Anyone who has seen this display can attest to his amazing talent and attention to detail.
Surviving are his wife of 31 years, Carol Kelley; children, Jack Eppard and wife, Melanie, of Rhome, Texas, Teresa Phillips, and Brad Eppard and wife, Debbie, of Raleigh, N.C.; mother, Eleanor Kelley, of San Diego, Calif.; grandchildren, Patricia "Tricia" Gangstad and husband, Erik, of Ft. Worth, Texas, Jessica Fay Eppard, and Ryanne Lynn Eppard, both of Raleigh, N.C.; brother, Robert F. Kelley Jr. and wife, Wendy, of San Bruno, Calif.; sisters, Marianne Roughley and husband, Robert, of Rochester, Mich., and Kathy Belo and husband, Diogo, of San Diego, Calif.; nieces and nephews; and devoted companion and family member, Max.
The family requests that memorial gifts take the form of memorials to the YMCA of Roanoke Valley, 520 Church Avenue, SW, Roanoke, Va. 24016, the Ronald McDonald House, 2224 Jefferson Street, Roanoke, Va. 24014 or you may speak privately to Carol about making a gift to help a special family.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2009, in the Community Room of the YMCA located at 520 Church Avenue. A celebration of Dick's life is planned for 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2009, at the Sunset Fields Overlook at milepost #78 on the Blue Ridge Parkway (about seven miles beyond the Peaks of Otter). Family and friends are encouraged to dress casually.
Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home & Crematory, Roanoke, Va., 540-366-0707.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Kelley
November 11, 2009
Carol,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Dick was a very special person and I have frequently gave stories of his courage to my patients. While he probably showed you the private struggle, his public face will forever be an inspiration for dealing with illness.
Tedda
Rebecca Dixon
November 9, 2009
Carol,
I just wanted to say that Dick will always have a very special place in my heart. There was a time in my life I was in need of a job for survival for my family and there was Dick. I am where I am today because of the care he had for someone else. I so much enjoyed the times we got together at Bev and Ron's home. I will always feel truly blessed that he believed in me. Thank you for sharing his time with others. I am sure that he is singing praises above.
Carolyn Anderson
October 25, 2009
Carol,
I am very sad to hear about Dick. I know he was a very strong person and I know how close the two of you were. I also know that God will provide you with the strengh to continue life because of your strenth and faith in God. I'll always remember when you lived in Blue Ridge and you and Rhoda would play Scrabble for hours. You have always meant so much to Rhoda and we have often to this day talked and laughed about the "good old days". As you know Rhoda has been fighting a battle. She is very brave, strong, and determined to fight her battle with cancer, and I know she will beat it! We are still as close as we ever were and always will be. She was the greatest gift God ever gave me. She's looking forward to playing Scrable with you again very soon. Thank you for all the times that you spent with her and the laughs we all had at your house and Bev's and Ron's. May God be with you and your family. Carolyn Anderson (Rhoda's mom)
Jack Eppard
October 24, 2009
Dick always lived for the moment. For the past 30 years he was a very large inspiration for me to enjoy every day like it was my last. For me, he fully embodied the spirit of Auntie Mame's comment, "Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death".
Thank you, Dick.
Roanoke City Retired Educators Association
October 23, 2009
We appreciate the 25 years of service Mr. Kelley rendered to the Roanoke City Schools.
marvin bally
October 20, 2009
Sharon & I have had you and your family in our prayers since we first learned of Dicks illness. we will continue to keep you in our prayers.
Wayne Bootman
October 19, 2009
I use this often, but it conveys my thoughts so well.
Be Comforted
I’ve received my reward in heaven,
my journey on Earth complete.
I'm with our heavenly Father
and contentedly sit by His feet.
My pain forever forgotten,
My loves of the past surround.
All things our dear Lord promised,
my soul has finally found.
Don't weep or worry, my dear one,
in Jesus I've found peace and rest
In His arms there is warmth and comfort.
Through His grace I have been greatly blessed.
Carl Wayne Bootman
Copyright 2003
Bev & Jim Hogan
October 19, 2009
Carol,
Our Sincere Condolences for your loss. we send prayers of Comfort and Strength to You and your family
Pat Shepherd
October 19, 2009
Carol, my love and prayers are with you and your family. You have all suffered a terrible loss but the memories of 30+ years will be a wonderful comfort to you. God Bless You and may He keep his loving arms around you a little tighter during these difficult days ahead.
October 19, 2009
My dear old friend, I am so sorry to hear of Dick's passing. My niece also passed from ALS. Such a devastating disease. The two of you handled these past months with such dignity. Know that I am praying for you and your family, Dick suffers no more.
Donna Stewart
Mounyain Home, AR
Jackie Frith
October 19, 2009
Dear Mrs. Kelley and family, Although I never had the priviledge of meeting Dick or yourself, I have kept up with your lives throuhg my brother Bill, your neighbor. I am so sorry for your loss. and I pray that God will comfort you, but at the same time I wish to express my thanks and gratitude for the lessons that Dick taught us. He left us with a wonderful roadmap of how to live a rich and full life dispite the misfortunes we are dealt. His life has given us all a reason to celebrate. The lessons and memories he left will always enrich our lives. My prayers and thanks to you,Dick, and to you Mrs. Kelley and family for your courage in showing us how to live and die.
Tim,Fran,Timothy & Maggie Cashman
October 19, 2009
Carol: I was so sorry to learn of the passing of you husband Dick. I too am a fellow triathlete and was touched but the wonderful pictoral tribute and story of his involvement at the Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon. Your son Brad is a good friend, and former colleague of mine and shared with me his 'story' and life celebration. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family, and hope you find comfort in knowing that he has gone off "to race in a better place."
DIIE DAVISON
October 19, 2009
CAROL OUR LOVE AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. WE NEVER MET DICK BUT IT SEEMED LIKE WE KNEW HIM WELL THREW THE THINGS YOU POSTED ON THE BENTON SITE. GOD BE WITH YOU AT THIS TIME.
DAVE AND DIXIE DAVISON
Earlene Sowell
October 19, 2009
Carol: I know I speak for all of your friends on the Benton alumni site when I tell you that we are all saddened at the loss of your beloved Dick. We have been praying for both of you and we hope that your precious memories of happier times console you in the days ahead. May GOD wrap you and your family in his loving arms.
Terri Lockhart Webber
October 18, 2009
Mrs. Kelley: During my time with Roanoke City Schools I learned so much from Mr. Kelley that inspires me even now: his vision for students, his quiet, firm, unwavering eye toward the goal, his dry, spot-on, wit about most any subject, his unyielding belief to keep moving forward regardless of circumstances. There is a poem that often brings me comfort and I hope that you will find it and see Mr. Kelley in its incredible simplicity and nuances of depth: "Ask Me" by William Stafford.
God's Peace and Comfort to you.
Beth Baptist
October 17, 2009
Carol,
I had the pleasure of working with Dick during my 5 years with Roanoke City Schools and always appreciated his dedication, wit and work for the school division and especially the students. I was so sorry to learn earlier this year about his illness and saddened to read about his death this week. His death is definitely a loss to all who knew him--and to many who didn't.
Vicky Aldrich
October 16, 2009
Frodo: I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.
Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.
I still remember you quoting that in your farewell speech at RCPS. And, I am glad that you decided to do quite a lot with the time you were given. Godspeed, Mr Kelley.
Charles and Alexis Sensabaugh
October 16, 2009
Oh Carol, Charlie and I are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers, miss you, love you, if you need anything just shout for us!
Kimberly Sexton
October 16, 2009
Extrodinary man, I knew him only a short time but truly, I can join in with the crowd of spectators along the path of his race saying Mr. Kelley was an authentic champian,a winner. A rare man of dignity even when he had to dig deep just to keep his head up. Along with his wife Carol, they have been the most amazing example of excellance under pressure. Stand strong Carol. I'm praying for you.
Annie Harman
October 16, 2009
Carol, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Dick was a wonderful colleague and at times a confidant. I worked with him for many years and enjoyed his wonderful humor, but most of all his heart was with the children of Roanoke City. Every decision he made had the chilrens' best interests at heart. He will be truly missed. I will have you in my heart as you celebrate his wonderful and courageous life.
susan easley
October 16, 2009
Some people make an impression immediately and Richard was like that. I cut his hair many years ago and he was such a nice man.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. He was special.
October 16, 2009
Carol, Brad and family - Mom sent me the article about Dick's death. I am so very sorry. What an inspiration he was to so many people. He will be missed but his many lessons will live on in all of you. Take good care and you all are in my prayers.
Evie Harrison
Rebecca Dixon
October 16, 2009
Carol,
You and your family are in our prayers. May God give you all peace and comfort during this time and the days ahead.
Sue Johnson
October 15, 2009
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
October 15, 2009
Carol-Sorry to hear about Dick. He was such a good friend to George-if you would need any help with Max let us Know
Chuck and Cindy Stanley
Michelle Johnson
October 15, 2009
Not knowing Mr. Kelley, I read the article in ref. to his life. He is an extroadinary gentleman that will live on forever in the hearts and minds of many. My grandmother also passed from ALS years ago. I know the "race" that she too faught so hard to win and did so with dignity. I can only pray that one day a cure may be found.
I like many others pray for the Family and Friends that God may and will give you each the peace and comfort that you all may seek during this difficult time. May his memories fill your hearts and minds with happiness and love.
God Bless!
October 15, 2009
Mrs. Kelley,
I was Mr. Kelley's secretary when he was with Bedford County. I just want you to know how sorry I am for your loss and that you and your family are in my prayers.
Jean Nichols, Bedford, Virginia
Amanda Patton
October 15, 2009
To my adopted mom Carol, how sad I am to hear of Dick's passing. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to not only work with him but to call him my friend and my adopted dad. I love you both so much. I know my mom was waving like crazy when she saw him RUNNING into Heaven yesterday and now he is among so many angels and our Lord that he loved so much. God bless you...
Jerry Calvert
October 15, 2009
Carol, Sorry to hear about Dick.Sure will miss our summer trips to West Virginia.We had wonderful times.
Jerry
Joey Zamorski
October 15, 2009
I'm so sad to hear of Dick's passing. It was always such a pleasure to see him when he came to my shop, and it gave me great pleasure to take care of his skis. I'm so glad we found the time to ski together on several occasions. I'll alway cherish the memories. Your great loss is shared by so many. You and your family will be in my thoughts.
October 15, 2009
Carol,
We were saddened to hear that Dick had run his final race. However once he reaches the finish line his trophy will be as you said "the biggest one you have ever got.". We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers as go through this difficult time.
Love,
Ronnie, Jeannie and Trevor Campbell
SHIRLEY TERRY
October 15, 2009
I DROVE THE SCHOOL BUS WHILE YOUR HUSBAND WAS WAS WITH THE CITY. HE WAS ALWAYS SUPPORTIVE. AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
SHIRLEY TERRY
John McDowell
October 15, 2009
Carol, my sincere condolences to you and Dick's family. I knew him for several years as a fellow runner and friend. His courage and good spirit in the face of illness and death inspired all of us.
Bill and Nancy Wimmer
October 15, 2009
Carol and Family,
We are so very saddened at your loss. Dick was a terrific friend and neighbor, and Nancy and I will miss him greatly. He was an inspiration to us and our entire family. While words are not sufficient to express our love for you all, please know that we are sending prayers and wishes for comfort and beautiful memories of Dick. Please call on us if we can be of any help now or at any time in the future.
Trish Fitch
October 15, 2009
Mrs. Kelley I'm so sorry for your loss. Mr. Kelley was a inspiration to alot of people including myself. I want to thank you for letting me help take care of Mr. Kelley in his and your time of need. Thank you for allowing me to have the happy and funny times with you and Mr. Kelley. I love and will never forget either of you. You both are great people!
Gordie Zeigler
October 15, 2009
Dick, you're a great man, a great competitor. God Bless you and your family. Always sad to lose a fellow Toledoan.
Ron & Bev Campbell
October 15, 2009
Carol,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Dick. You know that you are in both our hearts and prayers. Just know that he is in a better place now and he went to that place in his way. Give me a call after things settle down and we'll have that cup of joe.
With much love,
Ron and Bev Campbell
darrell mcclanahan
October 15, 2009
i am sorry for your loss, i lost my dad on dec 31 to ALS. my dad was 77 and i noticed Mr Kelley was 64. both cases unusaual for ALS. most people are stricken in their 40 to 50 range.
Our prayers are with you.
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