EDWARD LAMONT KELLEY

Edward Lamont Kelley Mr. Edward Lamont Kelley, age 72, of Fernandina Beach, FL passed away on Sunday evening, April 14, 2013 at Baptist Medical Center - Nassau. Born in Dothan, AL, he was the oldest of two children born to the late, Dorman Edward and Annie Doris Howard Kelley. Mr. Kelley was raised in Dothan and was a graduate of Auburn University, Class of 1966, where he majored in Political Science. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving during the Vietnam Conflict from where he became a highly decorated military veteran. He served as a Combat Infantryman and Platoon Leader in the 173rd Airborne Brigade and flew many missions as a Helicopter Pilot serving two tours in Vietnam. For his service in Vietnam, he was awarded four Purple Hearts, Silver Stars, Bronze Stars, Presidential Citations and various weapons expert Commendations. Upon being honorably discharged, he and his family settled in Hilliard, FL before moving to Fernandina Beach in 1984. He later worked for a short time at White Oak Plantation and for the Department of Agriculture and as a substitute teacher in local elementary schools. Mr. Kelley was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post No. 4351 in Fernandina Beach where he held many leadership positions, to include, Chaplain, Secretary, member of the Executive Board and former District Commander. He was a member of Amelia Lodge No. 47 and the Scottish Rite Bodies. After fully retiring, Mr. Kelley, pursued his love of military history, international travel to; South America, European countries, attending military reunions in Australia and scuba diving off the Great Barrier Reef. For the past ten years, he has been completely content to stay on the island, making his regular visits with his companions to O'Kanes, Sandy Bottoms, The Palace and Baxters. He leaves behind, his wife, Mary Jo Wright Kelley, Fernandina Beach, FL, his son, Jesse Matthew and wife (Brehan) from Clarion, PA. Daughters, Lisa Kelley, Port St. Joe, FL, Amy Kelley, Dothan, AL, Leigh Laney, Dothan, AL his granddaughter Lauren Laney Smith and her husband Travis Smith and their daughter, his great granddaughter Mia Alexander Smith. Also left behind is Ed's sister, Donna Howell (Mike), Dothan, AL, a nephew, John Palmer Howell and a niece, Claudia Sullivan. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Monday, April 22, 2013 at St. Michael Catholic Church of Fernandina Beach with Reverend Jose Kallukalum, officiating. Mr. Kelley will be laid to rest at 2:30 pm on Monday, at Jacksonville National Cemetery with full military honors. His family will receive friends on Sunday from 1:30 - 3:30 pm in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley Heard Funeral Home. The Vigil for the deceased will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday at the funeral home, with Deacon Art Treadwell of St. Michael Catholic Church, officiating. Please share his life story atwww.oxleyheard.com. Heard Funeral Directors (904)-261-3644are in charge of arrangements. Sign a guestbook at www.dothaneagle.com