David Dee Kelly

Died peacefully at Wake Med Hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina on August 21st, at the age of 75. David was born in Kalamazoo, MI on April 12, 1942 to the late David Edwin and Marilyn (Thomas) Kelly. David graduated from Portage Central High School in 1960. After completing his service in the Air Force, David spent most of his professional career working for the car industry, first at General Motors, then at American Axle Manufacturing. Though he held many positions, David's true calling was in training and mentoring his colleagues. David was a beloved husband, cherished friend and father, known for his sense of humor and love of the Lord. As a life-long learner, David prized education, continuing to achieve advanced degrees even into later life. David remained curious and strived to broaden his experience through his connections with people. Before ailing health limited his mobility in recent years, David was an active participant in his church and community, serving as a church Deacon in Grandville, MI and Board Advisor for The Christian Life Home in Raleigh, NC. David is survived by his wife Judy (nee Reynolds); children Kimberly (Chad) Price, Missy (nee Burkett) Schoning, Patrick (Bretta) Kelly, Michael (Laura) Kelly, Lee (Chris) Burkett, and "adopted" son Malcom Irving; eleven grandchildren; siblings Larry (Maria) Kelly, Michael (Joyce) Kelly, Marya Lynn "Sis" (Roger) Francis, and Alvin (Nina) Gass, Jr.; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his father, David Edwin Kelly, mother Marilyn Kelly Gass, and brother James Kelly. A Remembrance for family and friends in Michigan is pending. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Christian Life Home, c/o Missy Schoning at PO Box 31705, Raleigh NC 27622. The family would like to thank the caring staff at Wake Med Cardiac ICU for their incredible expertise and compassionate support during David's final days. Please share condolences on David's memorial page: http://www.memorialsolutions.com/sitemaker/memsol.cgi?user_id=2000201