Joe R. Kelley, 89, of Hemphill, Texas, passed away on September 16, 2025, at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 19, 2025, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Officiating will be grandson, Dustin Tilley. Burial will follow at Autumn Oaks Memorial Park in Orange.
Visitation will begin prior to the service at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 19, 2025, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.
Born in Orange, Texas, on January 10, 1936, he was the son of Cecil Kelley and Josephine (Idom) Kelley. He lived a full life, filled with love, laughter, and friendships, making an impact on everyone he met. Joe was a person who never met a stranger; his outgoing nature drew many to him. For much of his career, Joe worked and eventually retired from Firestone, and later moved to Hemphill, where he worked and made many friends at Ritter Lumber. His commitment to his community was evident not only in his employment but also through various local endeavors. He was a proud recipient of a Certificate of Appreciation for his work on the recovery effort for the NASA Columbia Shuttle. Additionally, he served as a member of the LCM School Board for ten years, taking great pride in presenting diplomas to his children. His community involvement extended to his roles as a board member with the GM Water Company in the Toledo Bend area and as a board member for the Toledo Bend Bi-State Alliance. Joe had a zest for life that was reflected in his hobbies and interests. He loved dancing, waterskiing, playing golf, and enjoyed sports. He was a self-taught harmonica and guitar player and found joy in listening to his favorite musicians, Willie Nelson and Bob Seger, often sharing these moments with friends and family. Joe's legacy of kindness, dedication to family, and community spirit will be cherished by all who knew him. His warm smile and loving spirit will be deeply missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Josephine Kelley; wife, Betty Kelley; brother, C.T. Kelley; son-in-law, Ray Tilley; and the mother of his children, Joyce Daniels Kelley.
He is survived by his significant other, Johnette; his children, Melanie, Jody and Diane, and Leslie and Ray; step children, Gena and Johnny, Mari and Bobby, and Curtis and Mickey; grandchildren, Dustin and Melissa, Derek and Meagan, Whittney and Alberto, Lauren and Aaron, Trey and Ryen, Jordan and Natalie, Philip and Melissa, Cory and Aleena, and Skylar and Nichole; step-grandchildren, Justin, Josh, Jacob, Sarah, Katy, Jamie, Becky, Jeremiah, and Jonathon; great-grandchildren, Peyton, Owen, Brody, Beckham, Nara, Hannah, Kaylee, Jace, Carter, Parker, Logan, Bryce and Brooklyn, Braxton, Ava, Maeyah, and Cole; great-great-grandchild, Jhett; numerous step-great-grandchildren; his niece, Donna Christian; as well as other loving family and friends.
Serving as pallbearers will be Dustin Tilley, Derek Tilley, Alberto Villasana, Jordan Kelley, Trey Williams, and Aaron Silva. Honorary pallbearers will be Jeff Lewis, Charlie Mann, Dave Marsh, Tom Fazzio, Jerry Pickering, Brian Brumfield, and Dan Terry.