Danny Vest Kelley

Danny Vest Kelley, 66, of North Little Rock passed away Sunday, February 19th, while in the care of Arkansas Hospice at the Veteran’s Home in North Little Rock.  He was born June 30, 1956 to the late Sam Kelley and Sara Vest Kelley.

Danny graduated from Bald Knob High School and shortly after graduation enlisted in the US Army.  He was stationed at Ft Leonard Wood in the 1st Engineer Brigade.  His service in the Army was short lived and he received an honorable discharge due to degenerative medical condition with his legs.  

After his short stint in the Army, Danny worked for Texas Instruments for 10 years.  Danny worked with a field crew that tested land for oil and gas.  During his time with Texas Instruments, he enjoyed traveling to and living in many states.  After his career with Texas Instruments, Danny moved back to Bald Knob to partner with his father in the operation of Kelley’s Grill until 1999 when they sold the restaurant.  Danny also co-owned Kelley’s Pawn Shop with his father until 2012 when they both retired and moved to Sherwood.

While living in Bald Knob, Danny participated in the Rotary Club, the Masonic Lodge, and the Shriners.  He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Bald Knob.  

When Danny moved to Sherwood, he joined and attended Open Door Community Church.  In the later years as his health declined, he enjoyed listening to services online.

Danny loved being in God’s outdoor sanctuary - in the woods hunting or on the lake fishing with family or friends.  His favorite fishing partners were his Granny Ruth and Granddad Chief (aka Stick).  He also loved the Razorbacks (all sports) and the Dallas Cowboys.  His family has forgiven him for loving the Cowboys!  

Danny was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Sara Kelley and one granddaughter, Sophia Rose Kelley.  He is survived by his son, Daniel Vest Kelley (Jessica) of Conway, his grandson, Eric Clingan of Conway, and his granddaughter, Emma Smith of Perryville.  Danny is also survived by a sister, Ruthann Barrington (Rick) of North Little Rock, a brother, David Robert Kelley-Stroman (Brock) of Mayflower, a nephew, Jason Timothy Norton (Kate) of Clarksville, a niece, Kelley Elizabeth Norton of Sherwood, a great-niece, Olive Lucille Norton of Clarksville, and numerous other relatives and friends.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the entire staff of the Arkansas Veteran’s Home in North Little Rock as well as Arkansas Hospice who lovingly cared for Danny during his last six months.  We would also like to give thanks and appreciation to the Home Based Primary Care Team with the Central Arkansas Veterans Health Care System who provided excellent home health care to Danny from 2015  until 2022 when Danny went into hospice care.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 10, 2023 from 10:30-11:30am with a service to follow at 11:30am at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Randy McCain officiating. Interment will be at 1:00pm at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR 72114. Sign the guestbook at www.smithfamilycares.com.