Bob Kelly

Robert Oscar "Bob" Kelly, 91, of Aberdeen, Mississippi, entered his eternal home with the Lord on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. Born on December 2, 1934, in Leflore County, Mississippi, Bob was the son of Roy Lee Kelly Sr. and Mary Florence Wilson Kelly. He graduated from Itta Bena High School and earned his degree from William Carey College. He later pursued graduate studies at the University of Mississippi before accepting a position with American Potash, later Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation, in Hamilton, Mississippi, in 1958.

He married Martha Allen Story Kelly, and together they built a home centered on faith, family, service, and hospitality.
Over the course of his career, Bob served as a chemist and quality control manager before retiring after more than four decades of dedicated service. He earned the respect of colleagues and friends through his professionalism, integrity, and dedication.
A devoted Christian and lifelong Baptist, Bob was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Aberdeen for 69 years. Throughout those years, he served the church in numerous leadership positions, including deacon, chairman of deacons, Sunday School director, Deacon Emeritus, and many other capacities. He was a dedicated member of the church choir and found great joy in lifting his voice in worship alongside his church family.

Bob's faith extended beyond the walls of the church. He was an active member of The Gideons International for many years and served as Camp President of the local Gideons camp. He was also actively involved in prison ministry in the Aberdeen area, faithfully sharing the Gospel and encouraging others through Christian witness and service. Bob was an accomplished gardener and Master Gardener with a special passion for azaleas and rhododendrons. He spent many years collecting and cultivating these plants, and the beautiful landscape he and Martha created around their home stands as a lasting testament to their shared love of gardening, beauty, and hospitality.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at First Baptist Church in Aberdeen with Bro. Mark Thornton officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens. Tisdale-Lann Memorial Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Lee Kelly Sr. and Mary Florence Wilson Kelly; brothers, Roy Lee Kelly Jr., Roy Preston Kelly, Mervin Clifton Kelly, and Billy Mack Kelly; sisters, Mavis Kelly and Amy Lee Kelly; and daughter-in-law, Kathy Kelly.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Martha Allen Story Kelly; son, Robert Oscar Kelly Jr., widower of Kathy Kelly; son, Richard Allen Kelly (Haley); daughter, Robin Kelly Griffith (Ken); grandchildren, Will Kelly (Morgan), Kimberly (Chris), Stephen Kelly (Shelana), Rachel Davis (Drew), Clare Kelly, Kelly Wiggins (Thomas), and Aaron Griffith; and eight great-grandchildren.

Bob will be remembered for his steadfast Christian faith, his devotion to family, his servant's heart, and his genuine love for people. Whether serving in his church, singing in the choir, sharing Scripture through The Gideons International and prison ministry, or tending the flowers he loved, Bob sought throughout his life to honor the Lord and serve others.

Visitation will be on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the service hour at the church.

Pallbearers will be Drew Davis, Aaron Griffith, Stephen Kelly, Will Kelly, Charles Story, Steve Story, and Thomas Wiggins.

His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the church he faithfully served, the gardens he lovingly cultivated, and the many lives he touched through his kindness, generosity, and Christian witness.

Memorials may be made to Gideons International, or to First Baptist Church, Aberdeen.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23