Bill O'Kelley

William Charles O'Kelley (Bill), age 82, of Rossville, Georgia, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2025, surrounded by those who loved him most.

Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, January 10, 1943, he was one of ten children and grew up facing profound hardships that shaped his quiet strength and unwavering character. As a young boy, he endured more than most-yet he rose with grit, resilience, and a deep sense of responsibility that would define his life. Though life presented its challenges, he overcame them with grace and humility.

Bill is a graduate of Rossville High School and served his country honorably in Vietnam, where he was trained as a welder-skills he carried with pride throughout his life. A true craftsman, he could fix any engine and build or customize anything imaginable. Every vehicle/machine or piece of equipment he owned was a reflection of his ingenuity and personal touch and could always be identified as a "Bill O'Kelley Original".

Bill was known for his honesty, work ethic, and faith. A man of few words, he spoke only when something needed to be said-but when he did, people listened. He lived by the principles of loving God, loving family, loving others, working hard, and doing good where he could. He never turned down anyone who needed help. He was a loving husband to his wife of 62 years, a fiercely loyal father and uncle who took great pride in his "kids" (children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews), a quiet helper, a welder, a mechanic, a soldier, and a problem-solver. Above all, he was loved-and will be missed beyond measure.

He is survived by his loving family: wife of 62 years, Mary Ann (Gillespie), their children, Annette, Karen and Matthew (wife Hannah), who will carry his legacy of strength, honesty, and love forward with them; grandchildren, Avery Geer (wife Meadow), Kaysen Geer, and Charlie Kate O'Kelley; great-grand daughters, Arwen and Azairah Geer; nieces, Lauren Dilbeck (and family) and Kimberly Oliver (and family); cousin, Steve MacDaniel; sister, Barbara Alice (Jimmy); brothers, Robert (Clara), and Eugene.

Bill was preceded in death by sister, Mary Lee, and brothers, Doyle, Elbert, Paul, Tommy, and Jerry.

The family will receive guests at Heritage Funeral Home on Battlefield Parkway from 4pm to 6pm on Sunday, October 26, 2025. To honor our dad, the family asks that you simply lend a helping hand to someone in need-just as he always did.