Robert Sidney Kelley

December 11, 1927 - May 28, 2024 Bob Kelley, former publisher of the Kelley Blue Book, passed away on May 28th at his home in Indian Wells, California. He was 96 years old.
Bob's uncle R. Leslie ("Les") Kelley (1897-1990) founded the Los Angeles auto dealership Kelley Kar Company and Kelley Blue Book. His father Sidney H. ("Buster"} Kelley (1908-2001) managed the business for many years. The Kelley family played an important role in the growth and development of the automotive industry in Los Angeles and eventually the entire nation.
Born in Los Angeles, Bob graduated from Los Angeles High School class of 1945. During WWII, he attended the University of New Mexico's naval aviator training program. At the end of the war, he left the Navy and joined the family business. At the dealership, he was responsible for appraising, reconditioning, pricing and selling hundreds of used cars a month. Based on his expertise, Bob would help determine the values published in the Kelley Blue Book. He became one of the most knowledgeable and influential minds in the burgeoning post-war car industry.
The dealership was sold in the 60's, and Bob became publisher of the Blue Book. He oversaw expansion to computer-based products and the internet, resulting in Kelley Blue Book becoming the premier resource for automotive value information to both the industry and consumers. Kelley Blue Book, also known as kbb.com, was sold in 2010 to Cox Automotive.
Bob was the beloved patriarch of the Kelley family, and his life is celebrated by Wanda, his wife of over 50 years, his sister, 5 children, 12 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.