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R.j. Kelly Obituary
Dr. R.J. Kelly received his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas, San Jacinto Jr. College and Houston Community College. He later received his doctorate degree at Texas Chiropractic College in May of 1981. There he graduated with academic honors and had a very successful student practice at the college clinic.
In August of 1981 Dr. Kelly began as an associate in an existing practice. With a burning desire to help people and share the message of Chiropractic care, he opened his own practice in 1986. His practice grew rapidly and in 28 Years of practice, he never missed a day. R.J. always went to work with such enthusiasm and with the desire to always serve his patients/friends. He practiced his every day operations with two themes, "There is a cause and you are the cure" and "When Love and Chiropractic come together expect a miracle."
R.J. will be remembered as a man of true faith. A faith that he openly shared with others. He was a hard working, loving, caring and generous man who loved his life and lived it to the fullest. Many will also remember him for his smile and his very distinctive voice, his cowboy boots, cowboy hats, and especially his unconditional love for all those he came in contact with.
A memorial service will be officiated by Pastor Byron C. Stevenson on Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 11:00a.m. at The Fort Bend Church, 1900 Eldridge, Sugarland Texas 77478.
A private graveside service will be held later in Charlotte Texas.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in R.J.'s memory may be made to International Chiropractic Association (ICA) who's Vision, Mission and Objectives were what he truly believed in. "To empower humanity in the expression of maximum health, wellness and human potential through universal chiropractic expression and utilization."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for R.j. Kelly
Hans Jürgen Winkler
September 2, 2023
It´s September 2, 2023 and I find myself thinking about RJ again. I was lucky to have ever know him. If it wasn´t for RJ I wouldn´t know the friends I now have in Texas.
Hans Jürgen Winkler
Dave Peppard
March 9, 2023
Hard to believe it´s been 10 years since we lost you. Thanks for all you did for me RJ. Love you and miss you like a brother.
Helean Gonzales Lopez
March 8, 2023
You would have been so in love being a great Grandpa. I will cherish the moments I remember having with you and hope to teach her how to swim the ocean, be kind, and also make a good grilled cheese sandwich. I miss you Dr.Kelly. My Delilah will definitely know who you were as a person and how much you meant to me. Love you Papi, miss you more
Helean Gonzales Lopez
September 10, 2021
I don't say this enough but I do miss you. I believe things would have been so different if you were here. Thank you for watching over the family.
Rodney Hamp
March 30, 2019
Think about R.J. all the time. He made such a positive impact on everyone he came in touch with.
Asma Khoja
April 4, 2013
It is still very hard for me to believe that Dr Kelly is no more with us.
I was the only health practitioner I trusted.He was a kind and sincere person who always believed in the well being of his patients. May God rest his soul in the gardens of heaven and give his family patience to bear this irreparable loss.Dr Kelly you will always be remembered.
Jesse Martin
April 2, 2013
Really enjoyed our visits with my son Brendan.
Karen Vannerson
March 27, 2013
Melba, We are so sad to hear about your loss. He was such a great person who help so many people. He will definitely be missed, I thank you for all he did for my family.My deepest heartfelt condolences go to the Kelly family.
James Simmons
March 27, 2013
It is impossible to realize he is gone. I don't know of anyone who has had a more positive impact on my life (and the lives of many others) along with caring for my health.
He will be missed by one and all.
Sheeghna Lottinger
March 25, 2013
The loss is staggering. He was "Doc" to me among a plethera of representatives for different medical fields. Remembered those early days of curly hair and a new profession. You are missed.
Jacqueline Doval, DC
March 22, 2013
Dearest family, I was saddened by this news. Dr. Kelly is the one who inspired me to become the human and animal chiropractor I am today! I share in his love and passion for health and wellness through chiropractic for all. Many blessings and peace to all.
Judy Bucher
March 20, 2013
To the Kelly Family: My thoughts and prayers are with each of you. I have know RJ for 31 years. He was a very special person. Be at peace knowing that he is now in God's hands.
Sally Kuni
March 20, 2013
He was a Godly man, an amazing healer, and a friend. I will miss his smile, his adjustments, and his stories. My heart and prayers go out to his family.
Rest in peace, Dr. Kelly. I bet they have awesome and never-ending waves in Heaven!
Dr. Bruce Schneider
March 19, 2013
To the Kelly family: RJ was an inspiration to all who knew him. As a fellow Chiropractor who saw him regularly at DE and on our morning calls, he always was a positive, uplifting, giving and kind soul. He will be sorely missed and never forgotten.
Marcia Crabtree
March 19, 2013
With love
He always made us laugh!
The Daigles
March 18, 2013
Next to losing my own father, the death Of Dr Kelly has been the hardest for my family. He went way too soon and we are still in shock! I knew him for almost 18 years. He was our chiropractor but also our friend. I have so many memories of him and his love he showed us every time we saw him. I will miss his counsel about health, life and God. Our family absolutely adored him especially Haley , our three year old. He made everyone feel like they were his favorite. I will strive to love like him, in his memory. Our prayers and love go out to his family!
Julie Anderson
March 18, 2013
Dearest Melba and Family, Dr. Kelly was a true blessing on this earth sent by the Lord to heal and touch our lives. He has been our healer, our marriage counselor, our parenting consultant, and an inspiration and always someone who I look forward to seeing because I feel a light shining through him from the Lord. Our prayers our with you all and Dr. Kelly will be missed by us all. Love, Julie, David, and Matthew Anderson
Rob & Brandi Crawford
March 18, 2013
We have cried many tears this past week and there will be more to come as we continue to mourn the loss of our faithful friend and chiropractor. Dr. Kelly was so special to our family, and his memory and impact will stay with us. We grieve with and pray for his family in their time of loss. May God strengthen you and bless you in the days to come.
Glenn Kelly
March 18, 2013
Rest in Peace my good friend
Glenn Kelly
March 18, 2013
R.J. If I put down all my thoughts, feelings and memories about you,this would read like a novel. We shared so many good times together, it would be hard to single them out here. You were such a huge influence on me and my entire family, all the way back to the Westbury days to the present. By reading all the wonderful entries here, I can see that you had a great influence on many people. You were much loved in this world. Our loss is definitely Heavens gain. My heartfelt prayers go out to the entire Kelly family, of which I feel I am an extended member of. You will always have a special place in my heart R.J. Please take special care of him Lord, this was a good man. God Bless
Janet Buller
March 18, 2013
We are going to really miss seeing Dr. Kelly. My heart is so very heavy. How appropriate that I've been thinking of this --"The joy of the Lord is your strength." Dr. Kelly was the most joyful, optimistic, and spiritually-in-tune person I've ever met. Rj Kelly rest in peace and keep God laughing with your jokes. We'll miss you very, very much. My sincere condolences to Melba and all his friends and family. Let me know if there's anything I can do.
Cindy Downey
March 18, 2013
In his memory!
Leonard Kurriger
March 17, 2013
I just learned of Dr.Kelly's death last night. Dr. Kelly treated me for 30 years. I started with him when he was still with his father-in-law and he kept me from having back surgery. I will miss him greatly.
March 16, 2013
Dear Melba,
My deepest sympathies for your and your family. I will deeply miss Dr. Kelly. He always started my Mondays off with a ray of Sunshine. If there is anything I can do you for please let me know.
Carolyn Gray
Christina Pate
March 16, 2013
Dr. Kelly has adjusted me for 25 years. He did our horses, and dogs, and everybody from critters to humans felt comforted by his demeanor & touch. He will be greatly missed, and fondly remembered.
Marcia Crabtree
March 16, 2013
I just learned of R.J.'s passing today and was unable to attend his memorial service. What a wonderful man he truly is! His spirit, intelligence, humor, and zest for life will remain with all of the lives that he touched. We will all miss him but have that hope of reuniting one sweet day. My love and prayers are with Melba, the children, and his entire circle of family and close friends.
Rochelle Sinderbrand
March 16, 2013
Dear Melba,
So very sorry for your loss. My sympathy to you and all your family.
Fondly
Rochelel
Randy and Donna Jarnigan
March 16, 2013
RJ was not only our Chiropractor for many years but a friend. We always looked forward to our adjustments and visits with him. His uncanny ability to make each patient feel like they were the most important person made everyone feel special. His loving, kind spirit and great sense of humor was a blessing to all who knew him. RJ will be sorely missed. Our deepest spathy to Melba and the entire family.
Gretchen&LUther South
March 16, 2013
We are still in shock at the loss of such a wonderful person. It's hard to imagine a world without RJ
Ramdy Jarnigan
March 16, 2013
RJ was a dear friend & doctor. We always looked forward to our adjustment visits. He always had a way off making you feel like you we're the only & most important patient. His Countenance, sweet spirit, & loving heart made all those around him joyful. RJ, you will be sorely missed!
Jesse & Peggy Conley
March 15, 2013
Dr.R.J.Kelly was our Chiropractor for many years. He always had a smile for us and made us laugh with his jokes. He was more than our Chiropractor, he was our friend. We will never forget the help and kindness that he gave us. Our Sympathy goes to the Kelly Family at this time. He will be missed but lovingly remembered.
Helean Gonzales lopez favorite granddaughter
March 15, 2013
I still remember the time when we would go to the beach, just you and I. On our way to the ocean we would race to see who can splash more. I was to little to go to the deep by myself so you would put me on your shoulders, we would watch the small waves pass while waiting for the big waves to come. You would tell me this one story I would never forget. The Wizard Of Oz for some reason it always amaze me every time, you would have to tell it to me over and over again, it never got old no one would know how to tell that story like you did. I'm going to miss you like crazy Dr.Kelly I just want you to know that I would always love you Pappi. All those times at the park, car rides, watching those waves go by, being at the beach till sunset and by working at the office. Those memories would never fad away. I wish you could stay longer i still cant believe this.
Rebecca Gazaway
March 15, 2013
Being a client of Dr. Kelly's meant you got to be in the presence of a man who had a strong faith in God and always witnessed for God. He was such a good doctor and such a good person. We will miss him a great deal.
Suhyun (su) An
March 15, 2013
Kori,
My deepest condolence to you. I met your father once at the graduation and another time in his practice when I was getting ready to open my own clinic. Keeping you and your family in my prayer.
Karen & Johnny Anderson
March 15, 2013
Our hearts are breaking and our tears are flowing. May you find comfort in this time of sorrow. We knew Dr.Kelly for 28 years and still visited him. May God hold you and your family close.
Tristan Alf
March 15, 2013
2 Samuel 22:33 It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.
Joan Goodman CTN
March 15, 2013
His light will shine through all of the wonderful work he so heartfully gave. He will be missed greatly in our healing community.
Dave Peppard
March 14, 2013
I am totally shocked and my heart grieves. I pray the Holy Spirit will comfort the hearts of Melba, RJ's children, grandchildren, and all those who RJ's life touched. He was family to me and I looked up to him as an older brother. I met RJ in 1986 when he had his practice located on So. Gessner and Harwin. I went to World Gym one day, which was located on Bissonnet just east of 59S, because I was feeling discomfort from what turned out to be a rotated pelvic bone while helping some friends move. I went to sit in the hot tub to get some relief and I when I walked into the gym I saw this so-inshape man with curly hair repping a standing military press with two 45 pound plates on each end of the long bar (that's 220 pounds for those not in the know). So impressive. But what was most impressive was when he came into the locker room, saw the discomfort I was in and said, "Heat is for dogs that are about to give birth. You probably have some inflammation. Go home and do some ice treatments, 20 minutes on and 30 minutes off and come and see me. Well, after a few weeks of treatments and adjustments, I was as good as new.
RJ was such a loving man and I will miss him dearly. My heart grieves with sorrow. Just late last year when the Christmas toy drive was happening, I will never forget after my adjustment that we hugged outside the front door and RJ told me that he was so proud that I had become the man I am. We met when I was a floundering 25 year old single mess and I am now married to my wonderful wife whose life RJ touched as well. He will live in our hearts forever and I am so glad that my last words to him after my last visit was "Thanks for taking care of me, I love you brother." God bless you Melba and my heart grieves for you in the loss of your soulmate and my dear friend.
Joey Barnes
March 14, 2013
Melba, we share your sadness and your grief. You are blessed to have had such a wonderful husband and friend. May you find strength and solace in your memories of his love. - Joey Barnes and Alan Foley
March 14, 2013
My dear Melba
I offer my deepest condolences for your loss. RJ was an amazing and gifted man who was kind and loving to everyone. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. You will be in my prayers. Love, Cynthia Russ
P.A. Kelly
March 14, 2013
My prayers are with all of the Kelly family. Thirty years ago R.J. saved me from never being able to walk again. By the Grace of God he came back into my life and helped me again. In those 30 years we had both grown Spiritually. This made our friendship more special and meaningful. I know it is going to be a happy and great day when our paths cross again. I can just see him now in a big office with all these Angels sitting waiting to get their wings adjusted,a glow around his face and a big smile. Just like I last seen him. I will miss him ever so much.
Claudia Hamann
March 14, 2013
Dearest Melba, I was shocked to hear of your loss. My heart aches for you. Please know how very sorry I am.
Vicente Nazario
March 14, 2013
You will always have a part in are hearts......Lots of Love.
Carrie Gimmestad
March 14, 2013
We are so sad to hear about your loss. He was such a great person who help so many people and animals. He will definitely be missed at Whipple Tree Farm where he took care of many horses and also by my family, he help me tremendously.
Donna Nash
March 14, 2013
What a terrible shock. We have known Kelly before he was a chiropractor. He was a lovable sincere guy and was happy to show it. He will be missed by the Nash family. Rest in peace our friend, you have earned your stars.
Jeff Anderson
March 14, 2013
I don't remember everyone from the TCC Class of '81, but some I will never forget. Richard was one of those. Although we weren't in the same "click" we always had time for each other every day. Just a great guy! One can't be with somebody every day for four years and not feel like I've lost a true brother. He will be sorely missed!
Ricky Fishel
March 14, 2013
Our prayers are with your entirer family, R.J Kelly was a wonderful man , and a great friend he will be missed always.
Carol and Mark Foullong
March 14, 2013
To Melba and family, our heartfelt condolences to you all. Although I only met him once he made such an impression on myself. and my husband. Our profession lost a great one ... Our prayers are with you all.
Ken Hoffman
March 14, 2013
A dear friend who will truly be missed. See you on the other side my friend.
Rose Ann Summers
March 14, 2013
Our prayers are with Melba, his children, grandchildren, and extended family. There was just one Dr. Kelly! Shocked was the word I used when I heard of his death. He was an amazing Chiropractor and Godly man. I always enjoyed my visits with Dr. Kelly because he was such an up person with just that right funny story to get your laughing! He will truly be missed by so many. I am so thankful he walked with God and is now dancing and singing with the heavenly Angels in Heaven. I'm sure there is more laughter going on now that Dr. Kelly has arrived!! I just hope there is surfing in Heaven!! See you sometime in the future, Dr. Kelly! We miss you here.
Jennifer DiMichele
March 14, 2013
Dr. R.J. will certainly be missed. He always had a smile and a joke for you. Our prayers and sympathy go out to Melba and family. May God give you peace and strength over the coming weeks during this temporary separation. Thanks be to God that you will be reunited in Heaven.
Nancy and Tony Matthews
March 14, 2013
Our deepest regrets go to the Kelly Family.
Nancy and Tony Matthews
March 14, 2013
R.J.spoke at my Chiropractic graduation and definitely was an asset to our Chiropractic Community.He will truly be missed.Dr. Rhonda DeLoache
Tony Chalas
March 14, 2013
I feel for the Kelley family. Dr. Kelley was a remarkable man and I knew him for many years. He certainly always had my back! He will certainly be missed.
Linda Boggess
March 14, 2013
I am so sad to hear Dr. Kelly has died. He was a blessing and a joy to see. He will be missed.
Leticia & Ed Jaroski
March 14, 2013
May he rest in peace ! he will missed by friends & patients alike . God has taken Melba's angel way too soon . But we must believe God had a reason for taking such a wonderful person .
Clint Landry
March 14, 2013
My deepest heartfelt condolences go to the Kelly family. I had not seen R.J. in awhile but knew him very well early in life. He was then as now a wonderful man. My heart goes out to all of his family. I too hope that when my turn to be with the Lord comes he will be one of the first I see. Gone but never forgotten. Rest in peace my old friend.
Teresa Watkins
March 14, 2013
R.J. was a great friend. He never ceased to amaze me with his compassion & ability to quote the right scriputure to fit your situation.I've known him for 27 years & he remained steadfast in his faith & his love of people. After I lost my business I felt hopeless for awhile, R.J. would give me a quick call with scriputure that had been laid on his heart for me.Of course, once he learned to "text" we would giggle at him for sending such "proper" text. What an awesome & amazing person he was..God's calling his best soliders home, I look forward to the day we will meet him again. God Bless You Melba & comfort you. R.J. loved you so much, you were his sunshine.
Jay Dushkin
March 14, 2013
RJ you will truly be missed. You are a man that stuck to his values and we always appreciated that. My heart goes out to your family and friends.
Rodney Hamp
March 14, 2013
Dr. Kelly impacted every member of our family in a huge way. He was truely a man of wisdom and compassion. I hope he's one of the first people I see when I get to heaven.
A younger RJ adjusting a horse back in the 80's!
Toni Fuller
March 14, 2013
I've known Dr. Kelly for 30 years and have experienced his vision for a better today and tomorrow not only through chiropractic, but his positive momentum each and every day. Besides using chiropractic to help humans, he didn't stop there. He helped the creatures, who could not tell him where they were hurting. Dr. Kelly used chiropractic to restore sight to a Italian greyhound whose atlas went out of alignment when hitting a closed, glass sliding door, and in only 2 visits! (A & M professors could do nothing for this dog by the way.) Easing human and creature suffering, this man will always be a CLASS ACT in our book! So many words of wisdom and thoughts to ponder are what I remember too about this man. Consoling to me are the words found at Revelation 21:1-4. I look forward to the resurrection where we'll meet again. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kelly family.
March 14, 2013
DR. Kelly was a witness to all that he loved the Lord and was gifted in healing children, animals and adults. He is still called by his loving God for a great heavenly mission. His family and beautiful wife was his pride and joy along with his surf board. Thank you for sharing him to heal. Love, The Croft family
Damon Milton
March 14, 2013
To The Kelly Family,
My deepest condolences at your loss, Dr Kelley was an amazing man with Healing Hands(as I use to tell him). I went to Dr Kelly about 10 yrs ago I could not stand for 2 to 3 minutes at a time,walking was chore .I was in pain even during sleep .Doctors had given me all kinds of pain meds nothing worked. A friend of mine suggested Dr Kelly. Within three days he had me SPRINTING and I'm a heart Patient. So our loss is heavens gain. If I know Dr Kelly he's walking around heaven in his BOOTS popping Spines.
March 14, 2013
Melba and family, you are in my prayers. We will all truly miss RJ's smile and loving care. The world has lost one of it's finest men.
Kevin Gallatin
March 14, 2013
Dr. Kelly was not only a great doctor but also a good friend to everyone he met. I always looked forward to my visits with him, not only for the excellent treatments but also for the conversation and caring aspect he always shown towards my family. Maria and I were saddened to hear of his passing. May you find peace in knowing he is now caring for others above and how many lifes he touched while on earth. Our prayers are with you and your family.
March 14, 2013
Dr. Kelly is already being missed so much! He was an awesome man of God, and wasn't shy about it. We loved his jokes and willingness to listen to EVERYTHING! His rapport with kids was incredible, especially with teenagers. Our girls, Lindsay and Katrina will miss him soo much. He always asked about Tristan, who is in the Air Force. Peace to the Kelly family...know he was loved and appreciated by all.
Karl and Jaton Alf and family
Shirley Abraham
March 13, 2013
To His Wife & Family I offer my condolence to you and to God Be The Glory. He has fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Heneforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
II Timothy 4:7-8
Ronna Lee
March 13, 2013
Dearest Kelly Family,
Our deeepest sincere condolences to you all...we read about him passing on Pray For Bella on Facebook & was so touched by his tender compassion to drive an hour each way to help her out...we are saddened that a great doctor like this is a dying breed and even more so now that he is gone. We can only imagine how awesome he was only having just read this bittersweet story. We are truely sorry for your loss and will keep you all in our prayers.
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