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Thomas Kelley Obituary
Francis Kelley III, M.D.
'Tom'
Dr. Kelley, a 59-year-old Cardiologist, of Charlotte, was born in Albemarle, NC, on July 25, 1950, to the late Dr. Thomas Francis Kelley, II and Mrs. Annie Ruth Kelley. He went to live with the Lord on Friday, August 15, 2009.
Dr. Kelley dedicated his life to caring for patients with heart disease. He was a devoted husband to his wife Kathryn Ann Kelley for 26 years and a loyal Father to his 19-year-old daughter Evelyn Marie Kelley. He is survived by his wife, Kathryn; daughter Evelyn; mother, Annie Ruth Kelley; 5 sisters, Anne, Sandy, Catherine, Ellen and Beth; 5 brothers-in-law, Bill, Shep, Harry, David and John; 3 cousins, Frank, Tom and Bobby and their wives; 4 nephews, Robert, Shep, Will, and Harry and 2 nieces, Anne Kelley and Beth. His father, Dr. Thomas Kelley II, preceded Tom in death.
His family, friends, patients and colleagues will miss Tom's personality and mannerism. He had a strong career at Sanger Clinic from 1989 until 2008.
Tom obtained his medical degree from East Carolina University in 1983, completed Internal Medicine at The University of Kentucky and studied and trained in Cardiology at the University of Louisville. After working as a Cardiologist in Nashville, Tennessee, and at Vanderbilt University, Tom decided to return to North Carolina.
When time permitted, his hobbies included nature photography and stargazing. Throughout his life, he enjoyed moments of writing poetry, songwriting, and guitar.
Tom and his family appreciate all of the time and efforts from Hematology/Oncology Mecklenburg Medical Group and Charlotte Medical Clinic and Southeast Radiation Oncology Group PA and Carolina Neurosurgergy and Spine Association and Carolina Neurological Clinic PA and Hospice & Palliative Care.
Additionally, the family is thankful for prayers and unconditional support from Christ Episcopal Church and friends.
A memorial service to celebrate Tom's life will be held at Christ Episcopal Church at 11:00 a.m. Saturday August 22, 2009. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Blue Room.
In place of flowers, please send charitable contributions to Christ Episcopal Church, 1412 Providence Rd., Charlotte, NC 28207, and/or Hospice & Palliative Care, Charlotte Region, 1420 East Seventh Street, Charlotte, NC 28204. TH Robertson Funeral Service Lic. is serving the family of Dr. Kelley.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Kelley
Sponsored by Sandy Kelley Johnson.
Herbert Stern MD
March 26, 2025
I was thinking about all the lunches I shared with Tom in the Physician´s dining room in the medical plaza a floor above the clinic. He was always pleasant, in a good mood and always had a hood story to tell. He loved the practice of cardiology and of course his family. I miss him, his smile and the short white doctor´s coat he wore.
PATRICIA PAPON
August 14, 2022
RIP EVER
Patricia PAPON
August 10, 2021
Always a pray for you and your family Tommy
Patricia Papon
December 30, 2015
I pray for You Tommy and will always do
Patrick O'Malley
September 13, 2010
I was a resident at CMC and worked several times with Dr. Kelley. He had also attended ECU medical school and we had several good conversations about his times there. He mentioned that he spent some time in Costa Rica surfing many years ago and how he wanted to do that again. He was always so good with patients and was a role model for many young physicians at CMC. He was a dear man and I was blessed to know him for a brief time.
July 12, 2010
I was one of Toms first paients at Sanger and always look forward to seeing Tom.His professional attiude and his humor always made me comfortable.I saw him twice a year for 18 years and I know the Sanger group feels a great lose.I know I do.My prayers are for his family.
Stephen Sims,Rock Hill S.C.
Michele Tilton
February 16, 2010
Dear Kelley Family, I just learned of Dr. Kelley's passing and am deeply saddened for your loss. Dr. Kelley was the first doctor to treat me at CMC back in 2006, when I was 26 and with a highly irregular heartbeat. He personally called me with the prognosis and his genuine concern was obvious and comforting. I later saw other doctors and had a positive outcome, but Dr. Kelley's help and attitude has stayed with me. I will pray for your family and hope you feel Christ's comfort in the years to come. ~Michele Tilton
"Be Still and Know that I am God." ~Psalm 46: 10
October 4, 2009
I worked with Tom for several years at CMC. He was one of the nicest Cardiologists and had a real human side to him. I always enjoyed working with him and we shared many funny stories about life in the cath lab and the characters that inhabited it. I will miss him greatly and smile when I still hear his voice. He was a hard worker and real gentleman.
Tom Lewis, Charlotte, NC
ALMA TUCKER
September 16, 2009
I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS AND MY LOSS AS A WONDERFUL DOCTOR. I NEVER MET ANY OTHER DR. THAT CARED AS MUCH AS DR KELLY DID ABOUT ME AS A PATIENT. I VISITED THE SANGER CLINIC LAST WEEK AND IT WILL NEVER BE THE SAME.
MY PRAYERS TO ALL OF YOUR FAMILY.
ALMA LORRAINE TUCKER
Tom when he began his medical career
September 14, 2009
Tom at work at Sanger Clinic
September 14, 2009
Autry
September 7, 2009
So sorry about Dr. Kelley. The best that can be said about a doctor is said about him. He Cared!! He did care so much about all of his patients. Thank you for helping him to be able to care for them these past years. The Autrys
Craig Keller
August 27, 2009
Tom was an "everyday angel" here on Earth and a healer saving many lives as a cardiologist. A man of purpose and commitment to family, patients, associates and friends....a role model for us all. I've only known Tom for a few years since marrying his sister-in-law, Mary. What a pleasure to have him in our lives....cherish the memories, what a loss for family, friends and Charlotte, NC.
Breda Dunne
August 24, 2009
Kathryn
I just heard today of Tom's recent passing. I am truly sorry and saddened for your loss. It has been so many years since our paths crossed but you and your family have crossed my mind several times as I attend the various Irish gatherings in Charlotte. I know how much he loved all things Irish and in particular the Irish music and I am happy to hear that it was played at his funeral. My thoughts are with both you and Evelyn during this difficult time.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam!
Frances Hamilton
August 24, 2009
Dear Kathryn and Evelyn,
I was so saddened to hear of Tom's death. Please know that I will keep your family in my prayers.
Millie Hopkins English
August 23, 2009
What a kind and accomplished man he was, and what a wonderful family he had to see him through very difficult times. We are so sorry to hear about Tommy's passing. May God grant you the strength to endure these days, and the comfort of remembering the time you had together.
August 22, 2009
Dear Mrs. Kelley and Ellie,
I worked with your husband and father for the past 14 years as a nurse practitioner at Sanger. I wanted to let you know how his eyes would sparkle when he talked of you both. You loved you both dearly. He will be missed and will be remembered as a guy who did not need alot of material things to make him happy. He was a great family man.
Sincerely,
Amy Winiger
Jane Lampo
August 21, 2009
Dear Mrs. Kelley, Sandy, Catherine, and all of Tommy's family,
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Tommy's death from a fellow Albemarle classmate. He was such a special person in our younger years, and seeing what all he accomplished makes me smile. You all are a special family, and I know that your love and support of one another, as well as that of many friends will guide you through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
August 21, 2009
May God comfort you in your time of grief.
Adrianna Hunt
Linda Honeycutt
August 21, 2009
To the Kelley Family,
I'm so saddened to hear of Tommy's passing. I know he is in Heaven with our Lord.
I went to school with Tommy from 6th grade to graduation. He was a wonderfully funny guy with a smile for everyone. He was always a friend to everyone.
Mrs. Kelley, I know this will be hard for you, I lost my only son when he was only 19 to cancer, it is hard, but God has helped ease the pain but has left me with many wonderful memories of his childhood. You will find solace with God.
Mrs. Kelley, wife, I know you have had a wonderful husband and he had to be a great dad too. You have my sympathy and my prayers are with all of you. He was a GREAT guy and we will all miss him.
Dawn Suber
August 21, 2009
I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Kelley at the Sanger Clinic Echo Lab. He will be truly missed and cannot be replaced.His spirit will be always felt in the Lab, TK was the best. May God comfort your family during this difficult time.
Nelson Smith
August 20, 2009
Mrs. Kelley and Girls; I will always remember Tommy as a fun loving and happy-go-lucky attitude guy. I remember him as a young boy with five older sisters and thought how lucky his was. I also remembeer him calling Beth "Little Bet". My Prayers and thoughts are with each of you during this time of grief.
SHERRY WOOD
August 20, 2009
Dearest Annie Ruth and family,
Words can never express my feelings of loss at the death of Tom. I'v known him since he was 16, and he will always have a special place in my heart. I'll never forget that big smile on his face when we first met. My condolences go out to all of you because I have always known how special he has been to all of you. No one could be more loving, kind-hearted, and caring. He was there for me when I lost my mother, and it meant so much. My prayers go out to all of you for your grief. Yet, I know that Tom is in a wonderful, peaceful place where we can all join him won day.
May God, in his goodness, ease your pain in time.
With love, in Christ,
Sherry Wood
Lanette Morton
August 20, 2009
Dr Kelley will certainly be missed and our thoughts and prayers goes out to his family. We haved to Georgia but will not forget the wonderful folks in Albemarle.
Melinda (Lowder) Lomax
August 20, 2009
It was by chance that I saw Tommy's obituary on-line. We spent lots of time together in highschool and I remember being so proud of him (although somewhat surprised) when he told me he was a cardiologist. That was when I last spoke with him at a highschool reunion. It was moving to read all the comments made by the people that worked with him and most of all the rememberances made by his patients. My prayers are with his family at this sad time.
Becky Greene
August 19, 2009
I knew Dr. Kelley and learned to respect his love of poetry and nature. I first met him in Charlotte when he was my husband's phycician. I realized then that he was special. Several years later I worked with him in the cath lab at CRMC and cannot think of a more caring phycician--both to patients and nurses. I shall miss him greatly.
Jill Shaeffer
August 19, 2009
I was so sad to hear of Dr. Kelley's passing, but I know we will see him again some day! He was always one of my favorite doctors to work with at CMC. He always had a smile on his face and was such a calm presence. He was always asking about how we were doing and was willing to listen. My prayers go up for the whole Kelley family, but especially to Kathryn and Evelyn. His face just glowed when he talked about his daughter and how proud he was of her. God bless you and give you peace in this time of great sorrow.
August 19, 2009
I had the pleasure working with Dr. Kelley in the Cath Lab at CMC. He was a calm caring and compassionate individual who always made you feel at ease. He was so proud of his music, and I had the pleasure of hearing his CD. He will be greatly missed. To the family my thoughts and prayers are with you. God's speed Dr. Kelley.
Nancy Reynolds (Concord NC)
Susan Bischof
August 18, 2009
I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Kelley in the Cardiac Cath Lab at CMC. He was a wonderful, kind and caring person who will dearly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at a time like this. May God Bless You.
Cindy (christensen)Hodges
August 18, 2009
Tom Kelley was an all-around nice guy. I worked with him for many years at Sanger and he had the best temperament of all the cardiologists. I also know he was one of the rare ones who never lost sight of each day truly being a gift.
Jane Rogers and Nancy Rogers Pressly
August 18, 2009
Annie Ruth and family,
We know the pain of losing an only son and brother but our wonderful Lord is so faithful and He will comfort you and see you through. We are keeping you in our prayers.
Much love to you and the girls.
Kelly Estes
August 17, 2009
I am very sorry to hear about Dr Kelley's passing. I had the pleasure of working with him for several years at Sanger Clinic Charlotte office in the vascular lab. We affectionately called him "TK". He was a very compassionate and sweet man, not only to us, his employees, but also to every last one of his patients. He will truly be missed.
Linda Nardelli
August 17, 2009
I was fortunate to be a patient of Dr. Kelley. He made me feel very comfortable and confident.
Please accept my sincere sorrow...the world has lost an awesome person and physician.
I pray God brings you comfort in the days ahead.
Clay Watkins
August 17, 2009
It was an honor to know Tommy.I ran around with him in our late teenage years,he was was a great friend! So sorry to hear of his passing and my condolences to his mother and sister Ellen. Our thoughts and pryers are with the entire Kelly family.
Chasity Burke
August 17, 2009
I am deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Kelley's passing. I was fortunate to have worked with Dr. Kelley in Cardiac Cath Lab (CMC). He always had a smile on his face and an easy going personality. He was one of a kind and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Candy Wright
August 17, 2009
I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Kelley in limited capacity at Cleveland Regional Medical Center, Shelby, NC. During this brief time, I noted his genuine sincerity and concern for any and all patients under his care. I pray God comfort each of you during your loss.
Christy Matthews
August 17, 2009
Dr. Kelley will be missed. I was fortunate to have many interactions with him as a cardiac nurse and was always impressed with how much he truly cared for his patients and how there was almost always a smile on his face. Praying that God will comfort your family and sustain you in this difficult time.
Staton Williams
August 17, 2009
To all Tommy's sisters and all the other Kellys.
I was shocked to see the Observer on Sunday. I grew up just across the street from Tommy and I remember fondly all the basketball the neighborhood kids played at Tommy's house. They had the best court in the neighborhood. I remember Tommy and I camping out in my backyard. That Tommy went on to become a doctor does not surprise me in the least. He had that strength of character from day one. I am truly sorry.
Staton Williams
Tracey Kuproski
August 17, 2009
I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Kelley. I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Kelley in the cardiac cath lab at CMC and he always knew how to make me laugh. He was such a pleasure to be around and he will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Pam Wilson
August 17, 2009
I just heard of the loss of Dr. Kelley. I am saddened however, relieved that God healed him in His magnificent way and has him safely in His hands. I worked with Dr. Kelley at University Sanger office and he was such a special, kind man. He also enjoyed some chuckles as well. I will miss him greatly but know he is well now. My heartfelt prayers are with his family.
Heather Hohn-Myers
August 16, 2009
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family now and in the time to come. I had the honor and pleasure of working with Dr. Kelley in the cardiac cath lab at CMC also. He was one the most caring and commpassionate physicians I have known. He and his smile :) will be missed dearly. God Bless
Hubert Clark
August 16, 2009
We were truly saddened to hear of the loss of Dr. Kelley. He touched the lives of many patients and their families, both physically and spiritually. We give thanks for all of his hard work! May God comfort his family !
Tony Underwood
August 16, 2009
Annie Ruth, Beth, Ellen, Catherine.....Sorry to hear about the death of your Loving Son and Brother to such fine Sisters. This is & always be remembered as one of the Greatness families from Albemarle. I was the same age as Ellen; but knew the other members of the familty. Tommys dad was also my doctor for years. I offer up prayers to all of your family.
Dennis Chadwick
August 16, 2009
I am truly sorry for the loss the world has suffered by the death of Dr. Kelley. I had the honor and pleasure of working with Dr. Kelley in the cardiac cath lab at CMC. He was one of the most caring and compassionate physician I have ever known. He was known to us as the "Prince of Albemarle" and it was a term of endearment that made him smile when ever it was used. He will be missed.
August 16, 2009
DR. KELLEY WAS OUR MOTHERS DOCTOR IN 1995. HE WAS A TERRIFIC EXAMPLE OF WHAT A TRUE DOCTOR SHOULD REPRESENT. THANKS TO HIM, WE HAD OUR MOTHER FOR ALMOST 6 YEARS MORE. GOD BE WITH YOU. THE ELBERTA ALLEN FAMILY IN LUMBERTON,N.C.
August 16, 2009
Annie Ruth, I was sorry to read of your son's death. I am sure it is difficult to accept. I remember a mother at the nursing home saying to me when her daughter (who was in her 70's)died, "Parents are not supposed to outlive their children." I am sorry for your loss. We miss your presence here in Albemarle, but wish you well in the days ahead.
Sincerely, Russ Myers
Krista & Jim Stegall
August 16, 2009
Our prayers are with the family of Dr.Kelley during this sad time of his passing. We came to know Dr.Kelley on February 14th, 2000 when he saw my mother for the first time. After our visit, he immediately placed her in the hospital. We know that his quick actions saved her from a serious heart attack after learning the next day she had a 80% & a 99% blockage. Dr.Kelley was one of a kind, we have missed him this past year and will continue to miss him. We give thanks to God for the work he did through Dr.Kelley.
August 16, 2009
May God be with you, the family of Dr. Kelley, in this time of mourning. May He give you peace and comfort now and in days to come. We are sorry to learn of his passing, we learned to know him when my husband was first advised that he would need a heart transplant. He had one in 1993 and another in 1997 and Dr. Kelley saw him a number of times. We appreciated his friendliness and professionalism. Blessings,
Margaret and Bobby C. Brown
Salisbury, NC
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