Kenith Kelley

Kenith Kelley, born on November 6, 1951, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Kenith life was marked by kindness, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to his loved ones.

Kenith was married to his beloved high school sweetheart, Joyce Kelley, for 49 wonderful years. Together, they built a life filled with shared memories, laughter, and a deep bond that transcended time. Joyce, who left this world before him, will forever be remembered for the love and joy she brought into their lives. Kenith was the cherished son of Clarence Kelley and Essie Graves, who have also preceded him in death. He was a dear brother to Levi and Mary Kelley and Wilma Griffith, and he mourned the loss of his siblings Leo Kelley and Kathleen Davis, as well as his nephew Dean Griffith. 

Kenith was a graduate of Mountain Pine High School and was a diesel mechanice for Weyerhaeuser for muchof his working career. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and anything outdoors. He loved spending his retirement driving the backroads looking for that big buck for the next deer season. You would always find him at the Kelley deer camp during hunting season without fail. He welcomed everyone with open arms and was willing to teach you everything you needed to know when it came to hunting and fishing. Of the utmost importance to him was his family. Making memories with his sons, siblings, grandbabies, great grandbaby, neices, and nephews. They brought more joy to him than can be put into words. Gene Allen, Tony, Christy, Misty, Kevin Kelley, Trey, Paula, and Sonya were his close hunting and fishing, nieces and nephews. 

Kenith’s legacy continues through his children, Larry and Regina Kelley, and Ricky and Katrina Kelley, who carry forward his values and traditions. He took great pride in his grandchildren: Brooke and Tyler Rowland, Austin and Teresa Brown, Diamon and Andrew Martin, Matilyn Kelley, Morgan Kelley and Shelby Rowland, Jayden Kelley, and Brianna and Chris Davis. Each grandchild was a source of immense joy for Kenith, who relished creating treasured memories with them. His great-grandchildren, Chezni Fernandez, Waylon Rowland, Sawyer Rowland, Cooper Rowland, Amelia Davis, Archer Davis, and Isaac Davis, were the apples of his eye and brought a sparkle to his heart.

Kenith will be honored in a graveside service on December 6, 2024, at 2:00 PM at the New Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. Family and friends are invited to gather and pay their respects as they remember a remarkable man whose presence enriched the lives of all who knew him.

As the family reflects on the profound impact Kenith had on their lives, they would like to thank Lifenet of Hot Springs and The Piney Fire Department first responders for trheir care of him. They will forever hold his memory close, carrying forward his spirit of love and devotion. Kenith Kelley will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all.