Sammy Kelley

Sammy Joe Kelley, 84, of Sherwood passed away Thursday, November 24th, while in the care of the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System Hospice. He was born September 23, 1932 in Batesville, to the late Jeff Davis and Bertha Ward Kelley. Sam grew up in Batesville where he managed his dad's business Kelley's Grill. In 1960 he and his wife, Sara, moved to Bald Knob where he owned and operated Kelley's Grill till 1999. Sam also owned Kelley's Pawn Shop for many years until he retired and moved to Sherwood in 2012.

While living in Bald Knob, Sam actively participated in many community and civic organizations. He held memberships in the Jaycees, Rotary Club, Lions Club, the Masonic Lodge, and the Shriners. He was one of the founding members of the Balk Knob Country Club where he enjoyed golfing for many years. He also served on the boards of the Bald Knob Housing Authority and the White River Rural Health. Sam was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Bald Knob.

Sam served his country as a Staff Sergeant in the Army from 1952- 1955. He was stationed in South Korea.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Jeff and Bertha Kelley; three siblings, Mike Kelley, Jimmy Kelley and Dora Rushing; one great granddaughter, Sophia Rose Kelley. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sara Ruth Vest Kelley; three children, Ruthann Barrington (Rick) of North Little Rock, Danny Vest Kelley of Sherwood, David Robert Kelley-Stroman (Brock) of Mayflower. He was lovingly known as "Da" to his three grandchildren, Jason Timothy Norton (Kate) of Pearl River, Louisiana, Kelley Elizabeth Norton of Little Rock and Daniel Vest Kelley of Sherwood. Sam is survived by two siblings, a sister, Margaret Hanks (Herb) of Cornville, Arizona and a brother Stan (Danna) of Eden Isle and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Shekher Adolph and the entire staff of the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System Home Based Primary Care team who lovingly cared for Sam during his last year and a half. Also thanks and appreciation to both Arkansas Hospice and the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System Hospice teams.

A memorial service for Sam will be announced at a later date to be held at Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main Street. Online guest register and obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com The family suggests in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Open Door Community Church, 709 West Lee Ave. Sherwood, Arkansas 72120, Arkansas Hospice, 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, AR 72116, Jacksonville Senior Wellness and Activity Center (Meals on Wheels Program) 100 Victory Circle, Jacksonville, AR 72076, or the charity of your choice.