Donald Eugene Kelley, 87, of Valdosta, Georgia, peacefully passed away in his home on Tuesday December 10, 2024. Born in Columbus, Georgia, to the late William Kelley and Betty Cook Kelley, Don went on to marry Marcia Buckner in 1960 and remained happily married for 64 years.
Don was accepted to the University of Georgia on a music scholarship; served honorably in the United States Army; was a drummer for the Continental Quintet playing gigs throughout the southeast; earned a degree in mechanical engineering and owned his own company. He also taught college classes in engineering.
An accomplished tennis player with a Florida ranking in men’s doubles, Don decided to retire from engineering and work in the field of tennis. He became a Certified Teaching Pro under Bjorn Borg’s coach and played with Rod Laver, one of the tennis greats. Upon buying his own racquet club in 1986, Don played an exhibition match with Rosco Tanner, another Grand Slam winner.
Recognized as an excellent teaching pro, parents drove from out of state so their children wanting to play competitive tennis could receive lessons from Don. His students went on to earn college scholarships in tennis and one student was ranked #1 in the country playing sanctioned tournaments in her age group.
After selling the racquet club and moving to Valdosta in 2007, Don continued teaching tennis at Stone Creek for 7 more years until age 79, at which time he returned to his love of music with his old band mates. In his younger years he played with the Atlanta Symphony, the Columbus Symphony, and with little theater in Valdosta. More recently he played for First Baptist Church.
Don is survived by his wife Marcia Kelley, his daughter Tamara Kelley, his brother Larry Kelley, his sister-in-law Patricia Kelley, and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Judith Buckner-Lungstrum and Greg Lungstrum. He is also survived by five nephews and two nieces with families of their own.
He is preceded in death by his older brothers Jim Kelley and Bane Kelley.
A memorial service will be held at 11:30 AM Saturday December, 21st at First Baptist Church in Valdosta. The family will receive guests from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM.
Online condolences may be conveyed at www.mclanecares.com
Carson McLane Funeral Home
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