Funeral services for Mr. Clyde Earl Kelley will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 17, 2025, in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, with the Reverends Billy Edwards and Travis Sanders officiating. Interment will follow in St. Rose Cemetery, Aloha, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, LA.

Mr. Kelley, 80, of Colfax, entered eternal rest on Thursday, November 14, 2025, at Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria, Louisiana, leaving behind a legacy built with his hands, his heart, and a lifetime of stories worth retelling.

Born with a natural talent for fixing anything that needed fixing, he spent his early years working as a mechanic before building a proud career as a roofer and carpenter. Whether repairing an engine, raising a roof, or crafting something from nothing, he brought determination, skill, and a stubborn dedication to doing things the right way-his way.

When he wasn’t working with tools, he was working the soil. He loved planting and tending his garden, which reliably grew far more than he ever needed. He shared the overflowing harvest with family, friends, and anyone in the community who could use a little fresh produce. His green thumb was matched only by the joy he found in watching things grow.

He loved being outdoors-fishing, hunting, gardening, or keeping his lawn in perfect condition. Whatever the season, you could count on him to be outside, soaking in the fresh air and taking pride in the work his hands could accomplish.

An exceptional cook, he was known for the Sunday dinners he prepared for his family-meals made with care, skill, and the quiet satisfaction of feeding the people he loved. He was generous and loving, yet strong-willed and wonderfully set in his ways, a man with “patience for everything except waiting.”

Above all, he loved being a father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and uncle. Though fiercely independent and perfectly content in his own space, he cherished every moment spent with his family, treasuring the laughter, the stories, and the simple joy of being together. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to live on in the family he adored and prayed for daily and the many lives he touched.

Mr. Kelley is preceded in death by his wife, Gloria Kelley; two sons, Randy Kelley and Scotty Kelley; his parents Clyde C. and Deddie Kelley; three brothers, Arnold Kelley, Dewey Kelley, and Michael Kelley; one sister, Rita Chevallier; and one grandson, Devin Kelley.

Those left to cherish his memory include one son, Toney Kelley of LaPlace; three daughters, Sherry Corley (Robert) of Franklin, Tennessee, Donna Sanders (Brian) of Joyce, and Cindy Maxwell (Clay) of Georgetown; two sisters, Darlene Antee (Johnny) of Colfax, and Judy Bishop (Ronnie) of Sallis, Mississippi; one sister-in-law, Janet Kelley of West Monroe; seventeen grandchildren; thirty great grandchildren; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and his “adopted son,” Rick Marshall of Ball.
A time of visitation will be held in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, on Monday, November 17, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. until time of service.

Pallbearers honored to serve are: Johnny Antee, Daniel Kelley, Jody Lavespere, Rick Marshall, Zane Deville, and Joshua Blazek.