Tom Kelly Sr.

On February 14, 2025, The Angel of Death visited our father and freed him from all sickness and pain as he so peacefully slipped away in his sleep. Tom Kelly, Sr, (affectionately known as “DeDe” to others and “Big Baby” to his children) was born in Tallahassee, Florida on December 6, 1940, to the late Jack Kelly, Sr. And Emma Cofield-Kelly. Tom accepted Christ under the pastorage of Elder Eugene Larkins at Macedonia Primitive Baptist Church. He was a man who possessed immense humor and wisdom, treasuring every moment with his family. He had a fond habit of giving everyone he met a nickname that would stay with them for the rest of their lives. He was a devoted family man who cherished his hobbies of singing, dancing and watching Westerns. Tom entered Holy Matrimony with the love of his life, the late Odetha Bradham-Kelly, and their union brought together six children. Tom leaves to cherish precious memories, three daughters: Carol Kelly-Brown (Marshall) of Huntsville, Alabama, Cathy Kelly-Denson (Reginald) of Midway, Florida, Chandra Kelly-Walker (Timothy) of Havana, Florida; two sons Kevin Kelly (Cindy) of Wakulla, Florida; Michael Bradham (Carolyn) of Woodville, Florida; Godson, Anthony Gavin of Tallahassee, Florida; two sisters Bessie Hamilton of Thomasville, Georgia and Linda Anderson of Tallahassee; two sisters-in-law, Sallie Hill (Benny); Elizabeth (Jan) Collins both of Tallahassee, Florida; one brother-in-law, Wilbur Bradham (Benita) of Huntsville, Alabama; twelve grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren; a host of sorrowing nieces, nephews and cousins. Tom was preceded in death by one son, Tom Kelly, Jr; two brothers, Willie Lee and Jack Kelly, Jr.; two sisters; Pearlie Mae Kelly and Barbara Jean Bradham; one granddaughter, Precious Smith.