Terrence Robert "Terry" Kelley

Terrence Robert (Terry) Kelley, a true Renaissance man known for his varied passions and wide-ranging talents, passed away on October 12, 2024, at the age of sixty-six.

Terry's life was a testament to balancing diverse interests with a deep sense of caring for his Catholic faith, family, friends, and the world around him.

Terry's academic journey exemplified his intellectual prowess. As an alumnus of Memphis Catholic High School, Christian Brothers College, and the University of Memphis; he distinguished himself with many academic recognitions including being a National Merit Scholar and receiving full academic scholarships.

As a young man, Terry channeled his curious spirit through music as a guitarist and lead singer for a California punk rock band popular enough to acquire a record contract. While living in California, he also worked for Hewlett-Packard, acquiring skills that served him throughout his life.

When his father needed help, Terry prioritized his family and returned to Memphis to assist him. He again excelled in a profession worlds apart from that of a punk rocker-as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Terry, his brother John Kelley, and Sharon Lusk later expanded the accounting practice into KLA Healthcare Consultants, where Terry used his computer skills to write the KLA Super-Billing program. This program evolved with his programming expertise and has been used for decades to help many medical providers throughout the country bill services to the government and private insurance companies.

Terry loved sports. An avid golfer, he found peace on the green frequently closed down the practice on tax deadlines for his team to play golf and picnic.

He was a lifelong baseball fan, most recently cheering for the Memphis Redbirds and St. Louis Cardinals. His love for the teams was so extreme he named two of his rescued feral cats after Cardinal players Yadi and Ozzie.

Terry's deep connection to nature was evident in his love for wildlife, especially Muscovy ducks and injured waterfowl. He spent countless hours volunteering to care for them, trudging through snow and rain with feed, laying straw, and constructing temporary shelters to help protect them during extreme weather conditions.

Other interests included astronomy, painting, and gourmet cooking.

Terry will be deeply missed by his large extended family, many friends, and the many communities he touched through his varied and vibrant life.

Mass for Terry will be held Saturday at the Catholic Church of the Incarnation in Collierville, Tennessee. Visitation will be from 10 to 11, and Mass will be from 11 to Noon. The Church will provide light refreshments thereafter. Interment will be in the family plot at a private ceremony the following week.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a wildlife rescue and educational effort dear to Terry's heart, Magnolia Wildlife Education, Conservation and Rehabilitation, 9296 Bethel Road, Olive Branch, MS 38654, 901-254-4295 in Terry's name or to the charity of your choice.