William Rodney Kelley

William (Bill) Rodney Kelley of Felton, DE, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital in Dover, surrounded by his family. He was 68 years old.

Bill was born on August 21, 1957, in Chestertown, MD, to Eileen Patricia Kelley and Spencer Edwards Kelley. A graduate of Caesar Rodney High School, he also completed the auto body program at Kent Vo-Tech. Bill began his career at Fraziers Sports Cars Specialists while still in high school and spent the majority of his professional life at Kent County Motors and Townsend Brothers Chevrolet. Highly respected for his skill in both auto body repair and mechanical work, he also spent time working as an electrician with Thompson Electric and later returned to auto body repair with Finish Line Collision.

A true car enthusiast, Bill especially loved Chevys and could identify the year, make, and model of almost any vehicle. In his youth, he raced at Willow Grove Speedway, and he remained a lifelong fan of all types of racing, as well as rock and blues music. His many hobbies included bowling, hunting, fishing, crabbing, and camping. Bill was also a dedicated coach for his son’s and daughter’s baseball and softball teams at Felton Little League for many years. Since 2008, he was a very active member of the Felton Community Fire Company Auxiliary, where he cherished reconnecting with old friends and building new friendships. Known for his handiness and generosity, he was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

Bill was a loving and devoted husband, dad, grandpa, and friend. He took great joy in spending time with his family, especially his two grandsons, and enjoyed camping trips with close friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his son, Jason Kelley; his father, Spencer Kelley; and his sister, Shelley Kelley.

Bill is survived by his wife of 41 years, Cindy (Kornrumpf) Kelley; his daughter, Jaime Kelley (Josh); his grandsons, Jacob Kelley and Jaxson Walls; his mother, Pat Kelley; his sister, Kate Kelley; his brother, Butch Kelley; his brother-in-law, Bill Kornrumpf (Tonita); his sister-in-law, Holly Crisco (Randy); and many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 PM on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 South DuPont Hwy., Harrington, DE. Family and friends are invited to a visitation starting at 3:00 PM.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home.