Bud Kelly

Gaffney, SC – Harold Brown "Bud" Kelly Jr., 77, of Gaffney, South Carolina, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 1, 2025. Born in Gastonia, North Carolina, on September 8, 1947, Bud was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose warmth and generosity touched the lives of many.

Bud grew up in Gastonia, where he was proud to be a part of the first senior class to graduate from Hunter Huss High School. His passion for sports was evident as he excelled in football and wrestling, continuing his wrestling career at Appalachian State University. In the midst of his college journey, he answered the call of duty and joined the U.S. Army.

After marrying the love of his life, Bud embarked on a successful career with General Motors Corporation in Charlotte, NC. In 1973, he became a State Farm Insurance agent in Gaffney, SC, where he dedicated over 51 years to serving his community. His sincere interest in helping clients during their times of need earned him the respect and affection of those he served, and he felt incredibly blessed to have a staff of ladies he considered family.

Bud was a longtime member of the Sertoma Club and a constant supporter of Gaffney High School and the Methodist faith. His passion for history, particularly the War Between the States and Southern history, was well-known. He was actively involved with the Sons of Confederate Veterans and spent years visiting battlefields and cemeteries, sharing his knowledge with anyone willing to listen.

Family meant everything to Bud. He cherished every moment spent with his wife and children, especially during holidays with his beloved grandchildren. Known for his humor, he was always the jokester and storyteller, sharing laughter and joy with everyone he met. His love for travel and ability to connect with people from all walks of life left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Bud is survived by his loving wife, Kathy McLean Kelly, his children, Sheay Kelly Noel of Greenville and Harold B. "Trey" Kelly, III of Comstock, TX, and his cherished grandchildren, Tristan Noel, Katherine Noel and William Kelly; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Brown Kelly, Sr. and Dorcas Wyatt Kelly and his sister, Evelyn Abernathy.

The family will receive friends from 3:00PM until 4:00PM on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Blakely Funeral Home. A memorial service to celebrate Bud's life will immediately follow at 4:00PM in the Blakely Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. David Dorman officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Muscular Dystrophy Association, 249 North Grove Medical Park Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29303 or Cherokee County Historical & Preservation Society (CHAPS), 301 College Drive, Gaffney, SC 29340 or Medical University of South Carolina, Hollings Cancer Center, 86 Jonathan Lucas Street, MSC 955, Charleston, SC 29425.

He will be missed deeply but will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him.

The family will be at the residence, 719 Overbrook Drive, Gaffney, SC 29341.

An online guest register is available at www.blakelyfuneralhome.com

Blakely Funeral Home & Crematory, Gaffney, SC