Obituary of Frank E. Kelly, Jr.

Frank E. Kelly, Jr. 85, of Roanoke went home to be with the Lord Thursday, October 14, 2021.  He was predeceased by his parents, Frank E. Sr. and Leah Pugh Kelly; son, Frank E. Kelly, III; grandparents, Henry Clay and Lizzie Kelly; and sisters, Iris Gray and Brenda Satterfield.

Frank graduated in 1954 from William Byrd High School in Vinton as Salutatorian with both academic and athletic scholarships.  He attended Virginia Tech for three years.  The following years saw him employed by General Electric, Norfolk & Western, and as an engineer at Creative Packaging where he designed bottles for the blow molding operations.  He finished his work career with Eli Lilly, where he was Department Head over Plant Maintenance.  He retired in 1991.

Family was very important to Frank.  He loved his wife, Betty, his children and great grandchildren.  While an avid sportsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, golf, motorcycle trips, ice skating and watching baseball and college football (cheering on the Washington Nationals and VT), he most looked forward to opening and maintaining the family swimming pool every year for his family and friends.  He was a devoted member and trustee at Fellowship Baptist Church.

Surviving are his loving wife, Betty Kelly; son, Terry (Angie) Kelly; daughters, Delaine (Richard) Newcomb, Robyn (Julian) Smith, Kathryn (John) Thieben, Alison (Leon) Perdue (also known as Alicat); sisters, Linda Howell and Glenda Kelly; grandchildren and great grandchildren, Brandon (Missy) Tuck, Hope and Mackenzie, Jake (Lauren) Tuck and Hannah, Jacob, Berkley, Mason, and Atleigh, Laurie(Geoff) Goss and Riley and Kellan, Erin (Tom Guffey) Ellis and Landon, Braeden, Reagan, Alexander, and Jude, Daniel (Lauren) Kelly and Khannan, Shaina Kelly, Christopher Perdue and Caleigh, Richard (Kim) Newcomb, Kristina (Sean) Britt, Cody (Kayla) Kelly and Blake, Derek Kelly and Frank E. Kelly, IV; and many members of his church family.

The family would like to express their appreciation for all of Frank's physicians and their staff at the various facilities here in Roanoke.  A very special thank you goes to our friends and caregiver, Debbie Austin for always being available for both our dad and our mom.

He has left and empty place in all of our hearts.  But we know he is rejoicing with the Lord and son, Frankie, and all his family in Heaven.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials be made to Fellowship Baptist Church 929 Murray Avenue Roanoke, Va  24013.

Funeral services will be conducted 10 am Monday, October 18, 0221 at Simpson Funeral Home 5160 Peters Creek Road by Pastor Mark Manning. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park.  The family respectfully asks that visitors wear face coverings. You may attend the service via Livestream by visiting www.simpson funeral.com The family will receive friends from 3-5 pm Sunday, October 17, 2021 at Simpson Funeral Home. (540)366-0707