Col. Edwin E. Kelly

Colonel Edwin E. Kelly, 94, of Valdosta passed away on Saturday February 28, 2015. He was born August 22, 1920 in Porterdale, Georgia to the late Ernest Edgar Kelly and Winnie Vera Kelly. Edwin E. Kelly was a retired United States Air Force Colonel who served his country for 30 years with honor and distinction. Bravely serving in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. While in Chengtu, China during WWII he was under the command of Major General Chennault as a radio communications officer with the infamous Flying Tigers. In 1953, he brought a communications tactical squadron to Moody Air Force. In 1961, he implemented a communication system for the Royal Thai Armed Forces. As an electrical engineer and communications officer he served at the pentagon working for General Curtis E. LeMay; where his opinions and advice were invaluable and held in the highest esteem. His keen intellect and his expertise in communications command and control were in high demand; leading him to be selected as communications squadron commander of Barksdale Air Force Base. While there his squadron was named the number 1 communications squadron for the entire Air Force. In 1968 he was chosen to attend the prestigious Industrial College of Arm Forces, while simultaneously attending George Washington University receiving his MSBA, Masters of Science in Business Administration degree. His final assignment was as Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, European Communication Area where he received the Meritorious Service Medal for his exemplary ability, diligence and devotion to duty. His distinctive accomplishments were singled out as they culminated in a distinguished career in the service to his country. While receiving numerous awards and recognition for his outstanding service in the Air Force he would later often reflect upon how far he had travelled from starting out as a "Buck Private."

Married for 66 years to the love of his life, Myrtle Margaret Lambert Kelly, he was a devoted husband who never stopped admiring his wife's strength, beauty and talents as both an accomplished RN nurse and mother. They travelled the world together and remained loyal companions and best friends. As a father he was very sweet natured, kind, gentle and interested in his children's accomplishments. He was always fun to be with and taught by example. He never stopped saying how much he loved his family and made each family member know how special and valued they were to him. He was a hero to both his children and grandchildren and especially to his only son, Larry L. Kelly.

Extremely intelligent, with the gift of sound judgment and knowing what was most important in this world; he was honest and a man of true and lasting integrity. Always a gentleman, he was respectful of women and protective of their rights and feelings. Compassionate towards children he enjoyed their laughter and company. He treated all people equally, regardless of background, race or religion. He spoke up for those less fortunate, often providing help to those in need.

Handsome, with a bright smile and twinkle in his eye he was dearly beloved and everyone's favorite person to be with. He was charming, friendly and embodied a natural warmth, which made any gathering full of life and joy. He always put his family first, was loyal to his friends and appreciative of his community. He was a "South Georgia boy" who travelled the world but returned home to his roots; truly appreciating the natural beauty of the trees, vegetation and wild-life in the surrounding Valdosta area.

He goes home to be with the Lord and to join his beloved mother and father, Winnie and Ernest Kelly. He will always be dearly missed and the sweet love and care he gave to others will live on for eternity.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Myrtle Margaret Lambert Kelly, daughters Rhonda Lambert Kelly Hamman and Dr. Michele Kelly and son Larry Lambert Kelly, son-in-law Dr. John Shue Hamman, Jr. and grandsons John Edwin Hamman and his wife, Keli Hamman, Major James Albert Hamman and his wife Anna Hamman and Joseph Kelly Hamman, his great-grandsons Jonah and Joshuah Hamman and Jackson and Jeffrey Hamman, his daughter Nancy Kelly and his grandsons David William Knittle and Darrel Lee Knittle and great-grandchildren Breanna, Tyler and Nicholas of Washington State, his brother Randall Kelly and his wife Anne Kelly as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. at the First Valdosta Baptist Church on Central Avenue with Reverend Walter Hobgood officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2:00 to 3:00 at the church. Full military burial will follow at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Second Harvest Food Bank of Valdosta.


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602