Condolence: Michael Joseph Kelly, Jr.; Son, Brother, Cousin, Nephew, Uncle, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Friend, Marine, Sheet Metal Worker, Auto Mechanic, Carpenter, Painter, Plumber, Neighbor, Teacher and Protector.

He was handsome, confident, warm, unselfish, loving, dependable hard working and so, so much more.

Michael was a man who never knew a stranger, never avoided helping his fellow man and never missed an opportunity to help a child, no matter their age.

He loved his family fully and unconditionally without exception, no matter how mad we made him sometimes.

He was devoted, to his loving wife Betty, who he missed so terribly, until he drew his last breath, and to his boys Sean and Jason as well as his grandsons Jake and Luke who were the lights of his life.

Michael had a strong sense of right and wrong and never hesitated to tell you which side of that fence you were on.

He was opinionated, you never wondered what he was thinking, he was all too glad to tell you and the funny thing was, you always wanted to hear it, because you valued his wisdom and guidance…and….he could always support his opinions with one of his many entertaining life stories.

His family, friends and neighbors could always count in him to have their backs. When you needed him, he was always there.

He was there; driving you to the doctor, making sure your furnace worked, hand crafting you a counter top, hanging your curtains, waving his jacket to save you from a bull, punching that boyfriend who mistreated you, taking you to prom when your date didn’t show up, stealing his brothers’ girlfriends (without trying) and fixing your car in time for you to make the birth of your first child.

He was there; when the neighborhood kids needed a place to hang, as long as they knew they couldn’t smoke, they could do that outside, or come in and hang out – not both.

He was there; to read you a book, make a tent, watch you play ball, scare you with ghost stories and give you your first puppy.

He was there; to “drive so, so, so fast, Mikey”, just to hear you laugh.

He was there; to teach you how to change the oil in a car – even if you were 4 years old and had little pink finger nails, and he got such a kick out of how those nails looked when they were full of grease.

And he was so happy to be teaching the little ones especially, to do all the things their mothers would love, like making faces, picking their noses and laughing at funny words like “butt”.

He was able to accomplish anything he put his mind to – and – he was there; to make sure you knew you could do the same.

He is surely glad to be back with his beautiful wife Betty, as in life they were never apart. He joins his parents, his mother and father in law, his baby sister and God Child Barbara Sue and his beloved Granny Duckett who is surely feeding him right now.

We will miss him all of our days, as those days will be darker without him.

We must do all in our power to go on according to the lessons he taught us and do our best to live our lives in a manner that would have made him proud.

Some will say they cannot imagine never seeing him again, but remember, all we have to do is close our eyes and think of him and we will see that smiling face.

He will be with us forever, in this world and the next.

Condolence: Our hearts are with you in this time of sorrow. Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your loved one. Sincerely, Kamilis Family

Condolence: I was so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. Mike and my husband Bill were best friends in their teens. I introduced Mike to Betty and both my husband and I were in their wedding. Mike was our best man. I have many fond memories of our friendship during those years. I am sure they are all getting caught up in heaven right now.

Condolence: Rest In Peace Uncle Mike. I hate that I let so many years go by without reconnecting with my family. I have a lot of great memories of everyone from my childhood that I will cherish. You were taken too soon and I know you will be greatly missed. Tell my Momma and Granny and Papaw that I love and miss them

Condolence: I will always remember my Uncle Mike as the kind, caring, happy guy who gave me the greatest stuffed animal in the world - a huge purple donkey. Uncle Mike and Aunt Betty gave me that donkey when I was around a year old and I still have it today. Everytime I look at the threadbare critter, I smile and think of my Uncle Mike and my Aunt Betty.

Condolence: I miss you so much!! It is impossible for me to say goodbye. We always agreed that no matter what, we are with each other in heart, so I know we will never let go...Thank you for being my best friend, protector, advisor, confidant, and so much more dear brother. You have always been a loving and giving man, no matter the circumstance. You were blessed with a beautiful wife, two wonderful sons, and grandchildren that know a love from you like no other . You have been released from your earthbound vessel, so now rest with your love Betty. I shall see you again!

Condolence: Love you all very much!!!

Condolence: Uncle Mike: Words just don't seem to cover how I feel. I will always hold you with me. I love and miss you so much, always!

Condolence: Thank you, Uncle Mike, for all the times we spent together. You always made me feel happy, and safe. You were always someone I could relate to, I could look up to. I was incredibly lucky to have you in my life, as we all were. I know you'll always be with me. I love and miss you.

Condolence: I met Mike on just a couple of occasions, and didn't know him well. But I do know Anna and she always spoke very highly of her big brother and that she loved him very much. I know Mike will be greatly missed by his family.