Doyle Kelly

Doyle Kelly, 82, of Valdosta, died on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Presbyterian Home after a lengthy illness. Born in Clyattville, to the late Miller & Blanche Zipperer Kelly, he was a lifelong resident of this area. Growing up on the family farm in Clyattville, Doyle learned to work and enjoy farming from an early age. Though he would follow other careers in his life later on, he always tried to be involved in farming as much as he could. He graduated from Lowndes High School in 1960, playing football for the Golden Eagles. After high school, he worked briefly at Levi Strauss, Co before working at the Owens Illinois (now PCA) paper mill in Clyattville. In the early 1970’s, he was recruited into the insurance business by Ronnie Harrell. Doyle worked in insurance for over 40 years, eventually becoming a broker who represented many companies for his clients. In 2000, Doyle was elected to be Tax Assessor in Lowndes County, ultimately serving the taxpayers of Lowndes County for 14 years before stepping down due to health issues. In addition to farming, being outside hunting and fishing were favorite pastimes for Doyle. He was especially fond of and known for hunting hogs and also rabbits.

At the age of 26, Doyle accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Doyle would continue to follow Jesus and attend Baptist churches all over South Georgia, primarily Victory Baptist Church, for the rest of his life.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Gloria Cowart Kelly of Valdosta, three daughters, and a son in law, Leslie & Kert Scott, of Nashville, TN, Crystal Rea Kelly of Greenville, FL and Misty Leta Kelly (& Mike Linn) of Ft. Myers, FL; nine grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by a daughter April Starr Kelly, a grandson Cameron James Scott, his sister, Una Rea Lewis and two brothers, Charles Ivan Kelly and Walter Ray Kelly.

The funeral for Doyle Kelly will be held at 1 pm on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Victory Baptist Church. Pastor Steve Ward will officiate. Following the service, the family will host Dinner on the Grounds at the church to visit with friends and family and share details of Doyles life from 2 until 4 pm. At 4 pm, the family will process to Benevolence Baptist Church Cemetery for the committal, where Pastor Ted Sauls will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to LAMP (Lowndes Associated Ministry to People), at www.lampinc.com. Condolences may be conveyed to the family on the obituary page of www.mclanecares.com Carson McLane Funeral Home