Roy "Tommy" Thomas Kelley

Roy Thomas (“Tommy”) Kelley, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2025, at the age of 87. He was born in Durham, North Carolina, to the late Elmer Lawrence and Margaret Clegg Kelley.

Tommy shared a devoted marriage of 61 years with the late Barbara Ann (“Bobbie”) Kelley. Together, they built a life filled with love and cherished memories. A dedicated worker, Tommy spent many years at L. W. Pritchett Fuel Service before retiring from UNC Hospitals in 2000 as a locksmith.

A man of faith, Tommy was a longstanding member of Carolina Christian Church and later transitioned to Lakeview Community Church. He cherished the outdoors, and with his family, he spent many joyful years at their lake home on Kerr Lake (Buggs Island), enjoying fishing, boating, and water sports. In 1990, Tommy and Bobbie fulfilled a dream by building a retirement home in the mountains near West Jefferson, NC, which became a beloved gathering place and a space for family celebrations and holidays.

Tommy was known for his love of God and family, a giving nature, good humor, and his love of cooking—especially his famous barbeque with all the fixins! His warm personality and delicious food brought joy to many family gatherings.

Tommy was preceded in death by his wife Bobbie, son Thomas Todd Kelley, parents Elmer and Margaret Kelley, brothers Lawrence (“Larry”) Kelley and Coy Lynn Kelley, and sisters Shirley Faith Barbee and Nancy Joan Kelley. 

He is survived by his son Marshal Anthony (“Tony”) Kelley and wife Jennifer; two sisters Judy Barbee and Susan Lanier; four grandchildren Cameron, Sydney, Allison, and Loren Kelley; and two great-grandchildren Clara and Colton Kelley; and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

The family will hold a gathering to receive friends and family on Thursday evening, from 6-8 p.m., at Lowe’s Funeral Home in Burlington, NC. A service celebrating Tommy’s life is scheduled for Friday at 11 a.m. at Lakeview Community Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to AuthoraCare Collective, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215(https://www.authoracare.org/give).

Tommy’s legacy of love, laughter, and family devotion will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all who knew him.