Kelley was a graduate of Ponce de Leon High School, attended Chipola Junior College and served 4 years in the U.S. Air Force. He lived much of his adult life in Gulfport, Mississippi, Holmes County, Florida, and most recently in Geneva, Alabama.
Kelley, by occupation, was a drywall finisher—a master craftsman of his trade. While living in Gulfport, his paternal aunt, Vetta Rose, introduced him to what would become his passion–antiques—buying, selling, collecting, refinishing—he loved it all. He built collections of buttons, trunks, postcards, pottery—to name a few. His knowledge of the antique world was extensive and valued by his peers, Eventually, Kelley began to exercise his artistic nature. He began with refinishing trunks, taking dirty, worn-out pieces of junk and creating wonderfully detailed, fully lined usable decorative trunks. His next artistic projects involved wooden shapes, drywall mud, and a layered painting technique he developed. He created a series of arrows, a group of “root” creatures, and wall art with geometric designs. Finally, was Kelley’s button art. He had an enormous button collection. He took white buttons and dyed them a variety of colors, then glued or sewed them in geometric patterns on painted boxes, lampshades, or on pegboard covered by black cloth.
Kelley was a very private person. For those who did get to know him, they were impressed by his quick wit, dry sense of humor, and his incredible knowledge of antiques and collectibles.
Although private, Kelley left behind many wonderful friends that he treasured throughout the years; Bob Barkley, Laura Rhodes, Cindy Campbell, Janice Jones, Jacky Bradley and most recently Ginger Stephens, Paul Spivey, Brandon Watford and Sarah Paulk with whom he spent time working with on various projects and enjoyed each of them so very much. Finally, Kelley was predeceased by his most treasured and dear friend, Becky Haynes, who he worked with for many years. He spoke fondly of each of these friends, and many more, to his family sharing kind words and entertaining stories of each. We would especially like to mention Sadie, the abandoned dog that adopted Kelley (she is named after the flea market) and the numerous cats that were his constant companions. He loved these pets and would take care of their needs before his own.
Kelley was born on December 3, 1952, to the late Floyd and Lula Powell English and departed this life on December 31, 2024. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six siblings, Floy Pearl English, Ralph English, Ruthie Merle Motley, Ferrell Floyd English, Colin Larry English, and Jerry Donyer English; and one niece, Brenda English.
Kelley, by birth, was the youngest child in his immediate family. The births of he and his siblings stretched from 1929 to 1952. This placed Kelley much closer in age to his nieces and nephews, and he was, in some ways, like an older brother to all of us. He is survived by, one brother-in-law, Cecil G. Motley, Sr.; two sisters-in-law, Shirley Justice English and Patricia English Jackson; nieces and nephews: Merle’s children: Rhonda Joiner (husband Jesse), Becky Motley, Gordon Motley, Lisa Peeples (husband Forrest), Christy Paul (husband Lee). Ferrell’s children: Ferrell English Jr. and Tonya Jones-Cook (husband Mike). Jerry’s children: Dewayne English, Stacey English (wife Christy), Craig English (wife Amanda).
We are heartbroken by our loss. In months and years to come we will be sustained by our memories and by the furniture, trunks, artwork and other treasures that grace our homes–all because of Kelley. He will be missed.
Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. “Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.com
