Randal Harry Kelley

On March 27, 2026, Jesus took Randal Harry Kelley, age 85, Milton, Florida, by the hand

and escorted him to his heavenly home.

Randal was born in Elba, Alabama on December 11, 1940 to Theoter F. Kelley and

Bessie Bundrick Kelley, the 6th of seven children. His family moved to Florala, Alabama

when he was around 4 years old and he grew to adulthood there. Randal attended

W.S. Harlan Elementary and Covington County High School (later changed to Florala

High School) but had to leave school after the 9 th grade to work the family farm. He later

earned his diploma through G.E.D and his daughters always marveled that his mental

math skills were better than theirs were using paper.

Randal's first several jobs off the farm included various positions at several different

grocery stores in Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola, and Laurel Hill, Florida. In 1970, he went

to work at Chemstrand which later became Monsanto and then Solutia. His last several

years there were spent as a Powerhouse Operator, his favorite position, and he retired

after 25 years in January 1996.

March 19, 1973, Randal married Catherine Douglas, bringing 2 daughters from a

previous marriage to join Catherine's 3 daughters from her previous marriage for a total

of 5 girls ranging in age from 6 to 17.

He was an avid gardener and hobby farmer, spending hours each day outdoors as often

as possible, especially after his retirement. Over the years, he raised rabbits, chickens,

goats, and cows, and spent numerous hours in his garden tending to rows of corn,

cucumbers, watermelons, tomato plants, and various other fruits and vegetables. It was

a frequent sight to see him on his tractor moving hay, pulling trees, or bush-hogging, or

just giving his grandchildren rides when they were visiting.

Family was important to him and he always looked forward to any opportunity to visit or

gather with family. It was not unusual for him to drop in for visits with his siblings,

nephews, and nieces and to join in on their activities like raking or baling hay. For many

years, he was known as the expert homemade ice cream maker and could be counted

on to show up at reunions or even small family gatherings with at least 2 ice cream

freezers and the makings for ice cream.

Randal was a faithful follower of Jesus and lived his life as an example of Jesus' love

and compassion. He loved serving his church, Faith Baptist Church, where he was a

faithful attendee for many years until his health prevented him from going. He had a

servant's heart and served in many different capacities throughout the years, always

willing to help where he was needed-counting tithe, housing missionaries, building

projects, service on committees, and much more.

Randal was preceded in death by his loving wife of almost 53 years, Catherine Kelley,

his parents Theoter F. and Bessie Bundrick Kelley, two brothers Emory and Harmon

Kelley, and three sisters Amy Geohagen, Hazel Edmondson, and Malona Bess.

Left to cherish his memory are his five daughters Dawn Kelley Carroll (Tony), Milton, Florida,

Lorri Kelley Moore (Russell), Helena, Mississippi, Mary Ann Douglas Carpenter (Wayne),

Milton, Florida, Faye Douglas Martin, Maryville, Tennessee, and Troylyn Dunning (Ron), Lakewood,

CO, one sister, Clara Kuklo, Milton, Florida, five grandchildren Evan Randal Murphy,

Birmingham, Alabama, Christopher and Jonathon Martin, Maryville, Tennessee, Amanda Carpenter,

Milton, Florida, and Julie Harry, Pensacola, Florida, and five great grandchildren Beau, Addison,

Charlotte, Bellamy, and Justin, as well as numerous nephews and nieces.

The family would like to thank Your Life of Pensacola Memory Care for their care during

the almost 2 years that Randal was a resident with them and is so appreciative to

Emerald Coast Hospice for their loving care and support.

Anyone who desires to make contributions in Randal's memory may donate to one of

the following:

Emerald Coast Hospice, 5536 Stewart St, Milton, FL 32570

The Alzheimer's Association, 225 N Michigan Ave, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601

Faith Baptist Church: City of Refuge, 6423 Hamilton Bridge Rd, Milton, FL 32570

A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026 at Faith Baptist Church, 6423

Hamilton Bridge Rd, Milton, Florida 32570, Visitation will start at 11:00 AM with the service

beginning at 12:00 PM Noon.

Interment will be at Damascus Baptist Church Cemetery, 17735 CR-4, Florala, Alabama with

the graveside service starting at 3:30 PM.

Anyone planning to attend the graveside service is invited to meet the family there.