Funeral services for William "Bill" Kelly will be on Monday, April 18, 2022, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Brookhaven, MS, at 11:30 AM with burial to follow in the Mt. Zion Cemetery. Bro. Don Minton and Bro. Zach Kilpatrick will be officiating the services with Brookhaven Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be at Mt. Zion Baptist Church on Monday, April 18, 2022, from 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM.

William "Bill" Oliver Kelly, 92, of Ridgeland, Mississippi passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April 15, 2022. He was born on October 4, 1929 in Beauregard, Mississippi to Thomas and Lillian Kelly. Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend who always put family first. He graduated from his beloved Mississippi State University in 1954 and began his more than 60 year career in the Railroad Industry. A loyal railroad man, he made the transition through Illinois Central, Illinois Central Gulf, Mid South and finally Kansas City Southern Railroads working in various engineering and management roles. After retirement, Bill devoted his time to caring for his beloved wife of 65 years, Janet Barlow Kelly, as she struggled with Alzheimer's during her final years. His favorite pastimes involved his love for sports, particularly when it came to his favorite team, the Mississippi State Bulldogs. A diehard fan, his attire was a regular reminder of his faithful following. An avid pool player, Bill was able to practice his skills and enjoy a daily round of competition with friends at Beau Ridge Independent Living, where he spent his last final years. He was also able to enjoy many years participating in the lives of his 10 grandchildren, who affectionately refer to him as "Pappy". We will miss him more than we can say, but we have peace in the knowledge that a favorite saying of his in the last months was "I have had a long, good life and would not change a thing."

Preceding him in death were his parents; wife, Janet Barlow Kelly; brother Tom Kelly; sisters Marjorie Smith and Dorothy Rogan; and his granddaughter Lauren Olivia Lukens.

He is survived by his children, Jan Lukens (Todd Frieze), Kathy Bullock (Daryle), Susan Walt (Bruce), and Keith Kelly (Katy); grandchildren Emily Brauchle (Sean), Madelyn Lukens, Emma and Grayson Frieze, Bradley, Drew, and Kendall Bullock, Olivia, Hunter, and Heath Walt, Nathan Kelly (Whitney) and Rachel Kelly.

The caregivers, residents, and staff at Beau Ridge have become a part of the family over the years and we appreciate all of the love and support. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Wisteria Gardens Rehabilitation Center and HomeCare Hospice for all the kindness and care that you have extended to our family. Our father had the best in comfort care and our family felt so supported.