Obituary – Jessie Clyde Kelley

Jessie Clyde Kelley

CLARKSVILLE, FL – Jessie Clyde Kelley, age 83, passed away peacefully at home on October 8, 2024, in Clarksville. 

Clyde was born on April 20, 1941, and graduated from Frink High School in 1959. He embarked on a fulfilling career at the Port St Joe Telephone Company, where he dedicated 42 years of service. 

In addition to being the phone man, Clyde had a lifelong passion for racing. He competed in drag racing in his younger days and was a champion go-kart racer, building engines for others that won numerous state championships. Even after retirement, people would bring their cars from all over for him to fix when others couldn’t figure it out. 

Clyde was an avid outdoorsman; he often spent his time finding the best fishing holes or running dogs in the woods with his friends and sons. When Clyde wasn’t racing or hunting, you could find him watching NASCAR or the Florida Gators. His devotion to racing and sports was a passion he shared with family and friends. 

Known for his kindness, Clyde forged lifelong friendships across various walks of life, from racing to hunting and his co-workers. 

Clyde is survived by his loving wife, Geraldine Kelley; brother, Donald Kelley; children, Richard Kelley (Ladona), Cindy Kelley, Vickie Kelley, Jessie Kelley, Sonny Coburn (Linda), Sheila Smith (Dwayne), and Lori Parrish; as well as many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will miss him dearly. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren. 

Clyde was preceded in death by his first wife, Billie Kelley, who passed away in 1996 after 36 years of marriage; his parents, Richard and Belle Kelley; brothers, Preston Kelley, Russell Kelley, Charles Kelley, and Lester Bramblett and son, Bobby Coburn. 

A memorial service will be held at Peavy Funeral Home Chapel on Oct. 14, with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m.  CT followed by the service at 2 p.m. CT. 

Clyde’s life will be honored as a testament to his love for family, friends, and the passions that filled his heart. In remembrance of Clyde, be kind to strangers and never hesitate to give someone a big hug – it’s the legacy he would have wanted. 

All arrangements are under the direction of Peavy Funeral Home of Blountstown.