Robert F. Kelley Sr.

1919 - 2025

Robert F. Kelley, Sr.

August 25, 1919 - October 24, 2025

Columbus, Georgia - Robert F. Kelley, Sr., 106, of Columbus, GA, transitioned on Friday, October 25, 2025, at his home surrounded by loved ones. Robert was born August 14, 1919, in Schley County, Ellaville, GA to the late Will and Littie Hardison Kelley.

On April 27, 1939, Robert married Flossie McCray, and to this union eight children were born: Zelma (still born); Robert, Jr., William, Carolyn Ann, Shirley, Doris and Dorothy, and Rosalyn. They were faithfully married for 56 years until Flossie's death in 1995.

Robert accepted Christ and joined Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church where he served in many capacities until his death. He was deeply devoted to church and cherished the friendships and fellowship he found there. He was a faithful member and leader, serving for 81 years. As a servant, he held such positions as Boy Scout leader, Tribe leader, Chairman of the Deacon and Trustee Board, Church Clerk, and Financial Secretary.

Robert always valued education, continually learning and preparing for future opportunities. Because of his diligence and work ethics, he subsequently retired from three jobs: Civil Service, The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer; and Muscogee County Board of Education.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, siblings, his son, Robert Ford Kelley, Jr. and son-in-law, Alvin Le'Nard Harris.

Robert leaves to celebrate his life his devoted children: William Kelley, Carolyn Kelly Wilson, Shirley Burnette (Henry), Doris Baker (Herman), Dorothy Herring (Otis), and Rosalyn Kelley Harris (Alvin, deceased); a brother-in-law, Joe McCray; two sisters-in-law, Lillie Tutt and Brenda Kelley, a devoted nephew, Harold Kelley, and a loyal caregiver, Alberta Moore. He also leaves to continue his legacy, 14 grandchildren: Robert F. Kelley, III, Tamika Ward, Dawn A. Wilson, Marcus K. Wilson (Ameisa), Daryl R. Burnette, Herman Kenneth Baker (Jacqueline), Derek L. Burnette, Robyn D. Kelley, Kelley Baker Whigham (Jerry), Addison Kelley, Alvin Le'Nard Harris II, David K. Herring, Duriel Kelley, and Otis Donovan Herring; 12 great-grandchildren: Lamont Tolliver, Keosha Brunette, Kenuan Tobias Baker, Briana N. Wilson, Tobias Edwards, Kennedy M. Wilson, Omarion Edwards, Cameron Baker, Kristopher Baker, Addison Sherrod Kelley, Sakari K. Wilson and Kamora Wesby; 1 great-great- grandchild: Kylan Baker and a multitude of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church. 409 Ford Drive, Columbus, GA, 31907. Visitation will be open to the public Friday, October 31, 2025, from 2:00- 4:00 PM, at Progressive Funeral Home, 4235 St. Mary's Road, Columbus, GA, 31907.