Clyde ‘Buck’ Kelley

September 17, 2024

Mr. Clyde “Buck” Kelley, known affectionately as “PawPaw,” passed away on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at the age of 87, following a brief illness. Buck was born on September 25, 1936, in Jay, Florida, to Perry Lee and Bessie Chavis Kelley. He grew up in a bustling household with eleven siblings and was a standout athlete at Jay High School, excelling in baseball, basketball, and football.

In 1957, Buck married the love of his life, Glenda Peterson, with whom he shared 67 wonderful years. Together, they built a life in Bogia, Florida, where they raised four children and became the cornerstone of a close-knit family. Buck worked diligently for 36 years at Monsanto as a chemical operator before retiring and discovering a passion for golf. He played regularly, even achieving a remarkable “hole in one.” His competitive spirit extended to games of dominoes, darts, and pool, and he was always eager to join in.

Buck’s enthusiasm for sports and the outdoors was a defining feature of his life. He devoted many years to coaching little league baseball in Century, Florida, where his passion for the game inspired and motivated young athletes. As a devoted fan, he attended numerous games to support his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always cheering them on with unwavering enthusiasm.

Buck also had a deep love for fishing, often spending time on the Escambia River and teaching his family the joys of fishing, boating, and enjoying nature. His dedication extended to his yard and garden, where he took pride in his work, where he was frequently seen tending to the grass in the median in front of his home in Bogia. His vibrant spirit and commitment to these activities enriched the lives of his loved ones and left a lasting impact on those around him.

Remarkably resilient, Buck avoided hospitals and surgeries until the age of 80. His vitality and zest for life were evident in his unwavering commitment to his family and hobbies.

Buck is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jerry Kelley, Wayne Kelley, and Houston Kelley, sisters Mary Bovia, Myrtle Lee Diamond, and Shirley Tidwell, and his son Timothy Lee Kelley Sr.

He is survived by his devoted wife Glenda Kelley, brothers James Kelley and Tink Kelley, sisters Polly Whitfield, Ann West, and Joan Struebing, children Ellen Sims (Darryl), Beverly Digmon (Mike), and Brenton Kelley, nine grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Buck Kelley’s legacy of love, dedication, and joy will be cherished by all who knew him.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, with Rev. Grant Norris and Rev. Nathan Brown officiating

Burial will follow at Ray’s Chapel Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 18, 2024 from 11:30 AM until service time at 1:00 PM at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC.

Pallbearers will be Colton Sims, Ethan Golson, Josh Harrell, Daniel Kelley, Jeffery Steadham, and Lee Kelley.

Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home, LLC Atmore, Alabama is in charge of all arrangements.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Obituaries