ODESSA - Jay J. Kelly left us on April 15th, 2022 and our lives are less bright as a result of it. At the same time, we are encouraged by his example of a life well-lived. A native Odessan, Jay Jerome ("Butcher") Kelly was born at the family home on a rainy August 8, 1932. He was the youngest of four children born to Garland ("Son") Kelly and Dewey Kelly.

Jay grew up in Odessa and graduated from Odessa High School in 1951. While at Odessa High School, he excelled at football, baseball, and track. His track team won three consecutive state championships, for many decades the only Texas high school to ever do so. Upon graduating from high school, Jay served in the United States Marine Corps in Korea, had a stint as a cowboy on the rodeo team at John Tarleton University, and lived and worked on a ranch near Colorado Springs.

Jay met the love of his life, Georgia Hubbard, in 1956 and they were married on August 14, 1956 at the First Presbyterian Church of Odessa. They enjoyed more than 65 years of love, devotion and adventure.

Always open to new things, Jay and Georgia became avid skiers, tennis players, runners, and cyclists. They skied much of the Rocky Mountains and had one memorable trip skiing the Swiss Alps. They also took cycling trips throughout the United States, often logging hundred-mile days. Jay held particularly fond memories of rafting trips in the canyons of Big Bend and mountain biking in the Copper Canyons of Mexico and the high deserts of Colorado and Utah. Jay had a host of cycling buddies and was able to continue riding well into his eighties. He and Georgia were founding members of the Permian Basin Bicycle Association. He mentored many young cyclists and was always the guy they wanted to ride like when they were his age.

Jay spent thirty-five years as a dedicated funeral director at Hubbard Kelly Funeral Home, which he owned together with Georgia's father, G.C. Hubbard.

Jay was a fun-loving prankster with his family and buddies, a compassionate and generous man toward those in need, a loving husband to Georgia and father to Mike, Paul, and India. He particularly loved his grandchildren, Kelly, Kane, Patrick, and Shannon. They spent many wonderful summers in Ruidoso at the family home, as well as annual ski trips to New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah. He and Georgia felt especially blessed by their great-grandchildren, Michael, Haven, Cali, Kinsley, Harper, Jake, Ryan, and Hazely.

Jay was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Kenneth Kelly and Emmitt Eugene Kelly; a sister, Alice Ann Schuessler; a dear cousin, Jack Coats; his uncle, Paul Harvey; his grandmother, Scotty Kelly; and nieces, Lucy and Paula and nephew, Kent. He is survived by his wife, Georgia; children, Mike Kelly (Teresa), Paul Kelly (Wynette), and India Tucker; grandchildren, Kelly Tucker, Kane Tucker (Heather), Patrick Kelly, and Shannon Kelly Isom (Travis); and great-grandchildren, Michael, Haven, Cali, Kinsley, Harper, Jake, Ryan, and Hazely. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, whose company he so much enjoyed over the years.

Jay had a great compassion toward those that faced hardships in life. He was quick to quietly help someone in need and had a special place in his heart for young people whose circumstances were difficult. In this spirit, donations in Jay's memory may be made to Jesus House of Odessa or the Odessa Boys and Girls Club.

Jay's family would like to thank Darrell Parsons, M.D. and Amanda for their compassionate care over many years. Special thanks also to the nurses and staff of Parks Senior Living for their kindness and care.

A graveside service will be held on April 20th, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Gardens with the Reverend Jimmy Braswell officiating.

Weeping may last for a night, but rejoicing will come in the morning. Psalms 30:5