BEALS- Avery Wellington Kelley, Sr., 62, passed away peacefully at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, MA on May 28, 2003 surrounded by his family. A special gift was given by his brother-in-law, Lessie White who donated part of his liver to Avery, giving him more needed time with his family. He was born April 12, 1941, on Beals, the son of Osmond W. and Lucy (Beal) Kelley. He was a graduate of Beals High School in 1959. During the Vietnam War he proudly served in the Army as a PFC, following his service in Vietnam he served in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves for 10 years as Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class. Avery was a member of the American Legion of Jonesport for 33 years, Jonesport Lodge No. 188 A. F. & A. M., the Rumery Chapter # 46 Eastern Star, Jonesport and the Beals Historical Society. Avery’s greatest love was the ocean. His happiest moments began at the age of 6 with his father and grandfather seining for herring. Avery wasn’t only known for his expertise on the ocean but was an avid storyteller and historian. His great sense of humor entertained family and friends for hours. Avery is survived by his wife of 37 years, Diana Beal Kelley, one daughter, D’Anna Beal and her husband, Mitchell of Beals, two sons, Avery W. Kelley, Jr. and his companion Lynn Bentley of Addison and Derrick K. Kelley, and his wife Trisha, of Jonesport; his mother Lucy Kelley of Beals his mother in-law Inez Beal of St. Pete, FL and step mother in-law, Nancy Beal of Beals, 6 grandchildren, BreAnna Lea and Cole Mitchell Beal, Austin Wellington Kelley, Caleb Kenneth, Osmond Wellington, and Lexi Mariah Kelley; two sisters, Marjorie and her husband Enis Wright, of Jonesport, Mary Jane and her husband Lessie White of Bath, one brother, Darrell Kelley and wife Debbie of Beals, three sisters-in-laws Alice Coffin and companion Dale Miller of Daytona, FL, Velora Rumery and husband Craig of Addison, Marie Victory and husband Tim of Jonesport, one half sister-in-law Lizzie Anne Beal of Brooklyn, NY, one half brother- in- law “Sonny” Ossie Beal, Jr. and his girlfriend Abbi Susi of Beals, one paternal uncle Ernest Kelley, and wife Marilyn of Jonesport, and many uncle, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his father Osmond W. Kelley, and father- in- law, Ossie E. Beal. Friends are invited to visit with the family 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM, Friday at the new United Pentecostal Church, Jonesport where funeral services will be held 1:00 PM, Saturday, May 31, 2003 with Pastor Steve Bertrand officiating. Internment will be at the Great Wass Island Cemetery, Beals. Memorial contributions may be made to the Choose Life Foundation, P.O. Box 107, Addison, ME 04606. Arrangements are in care of Bragdon-Kelley-Campbell Funeral Home, Milbridge. A memorial register is available on line at Legacy.com.
