George N. Kelly

Bristol, VA – George Nelson Kelly, age 85, went to be with the Lord on Friday, June 28, 2024, in Bristol Regional Medical Center. George was born in Saltville, VA to the late Thomas and Oma Taylor Kelly. George began his work career at Olin Chemical Corporation in Saltville, VA where he worked for 13 years before moving to Bristol, VA in 1973. After moving to Bristol, George began working for Eastman Kodak where he worked for 28 years, retiring in 1999. 

Following retirement, George loved to walk to the Bristol Mall where he met with friends for fellowship and exercise. He was an avid Virginia Tech sports fan, particularly loving to go the Tech football games where he was a season ticket holder for 40 years. George was a member of Fellowship Chapel for over 50 years where he was a devoted deacon and Sunday School teacher. 

In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Evelyn C. DeBord Kelly, who passed October 6, 2023; brothers, William Kelly and J.T. Kelly; and sister, Joanna Kelly.

He is survived by three sons, Michael Kelly and wife Billie of Pickerington, OH, Richard Kelly and wife Janice of Bristol, VA, James Kelly and wife Karen of Charlottesville, VA; grandchildren who he loved dearly, Zac, Heather, Amanda, Madison, Ryan, Lauren, and Josh; sister, Patsy Edmiston and husband Willard; sister-in-law, Linda DeBord; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation with the family will be held 1-2 p.m. Monday, July 1, 2024, in the Main Street Location of Farris Funeral Service. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Scott Price officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Tim Kelly, Travis Kelly, Matt Kelly, Zac Kelly, Josh Kelly, and Jerry Vencill serving as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fellowship Chapel Building Fund, 201, Crockett Street, Bristol, VA 24201, in Mr. Kelly’s name.

The family of George Nelson Kelly is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.