Raymond Leroy Kelly

Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee announces funeral services for Mr. Raymond Leroy Kelly, age 91, of Hiawassee, who passed away Thursday, October 16, 2014 in Chatuge Regional Nursing Home in Hiawassee.

Mr. Kelly was born on June 27, 1923, in Harris, North Carolina, a son of the late Martin Lee Kelly and the late Florence Mae Stephens Kelly. Mr. Kelly was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps, and served our country in the Pacific Theatre constructing buildings, barracks and bridges. Proud of his Tiger Alma Mater, Mr. Kelly attended Clemson University and graduated with a Bachelors degree. From 1965 until his retirement, Mr. Kelly taught Vocational Agriculture in the Towns County School System and was instrumental in the FFA program. Mr. Kelly was a farmer his entire life, known for his produce stand of locally grown produce and of course, his Silver Queen corn. He enjoyed fishing and loved his little dogs, especially his singing partner, "Babe". A favorite past time was lively games of scrabble, chess and puzzles with family and friends. He was of the Baptist faith and was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 47 years, Josie; a daughter, Miriam Kelly; his parents and four brothers and sisters.

Mr. Kelly will be warmly remembered by all who knew him, but especially missed by his family: Becky and Terry Gibson, of Hiawassee; son and daughter-in-law, Martin and Mary Ann Kelly, of Pickerington, Ohio; four grandchildren: Daniel J. Baxley, Jr., and his wife, Denise; Jeffrey Baxley, and his wife, Sherry; Miriam Eldridge; and Kevin Kelly and his wife, Kat. Also, sharing in his legacy are 10 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and many extended family members.

Funeral services have been scheduled for Sunday, October 19, 2014, at 3:00 p.m., to be held in the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home in Hiawassee. The following grandsons have been given the honor of serving as pallbearers: Daniel Baxley, Jeffrey Baxley, Raymond Baxley, Kevin Kelly, and Terry Gibson. The family has requested that all former students of Mr. Kelly serve as honorary escort. Burial will be in Lower Bell Creek Cemetery with military honors presented by the North Georgia Honor Guard. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until the service begins.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee. Please be welcomed to share your fond memories of Mr. Kelly on our website at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.