Oak Ridge High School Class of 1966

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Oak Ridge High School Class of 1966 - 1965 classmate Paul Kelly

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Body:	<i>Paul Kelly our 1965 classmate passed away in Fort Worth Texas. Link below https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/fort-worth-tx/paul-kelly-12280402 Paul Eugene Kelly, 78, of Fort Worth, Texas, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and friends. Born November 13, 1946, in Clayton, GA, Paul was raised in Oak Ridge, TN, and Rabun County, GA, primarily by his grandmother, Margie Carver Kelly, and his aunt and uncle, Ludie Kelly Turpin and J. Hugh Turpin. He graduated from Oak Ridge High in 1965, where he played football and competed in Golden Gloves boxing, both in high school and later in the Marines. In 1966, Paul enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps with the Delta 2-13 1st Marine Division, an honor he carried with pride. The loss of several fellow Marines at Little Ngok Hill, Quang Tin Province, Vietnam, on May 10, 1968, profoundly affected him. Though Paul wasnâ€™t in battle that day, the tragic loss of his comrades stayed with him, and he vowed to always honor his fallen friends. Many were finally flown home in August 2005, bringing him great solace. After his service, Paul moved to Fort Worth, TX, became a Master Plumber, and founded Longhorn Plumbing, Inc. Always having an entrepreneurial spirit, he also became a certified Master Builder, spending nearly 40 years as a successful custom home builder with Paul Kelly, Inc. Custom Homes. Throughout his career, he owned and operated several other businesses in the Fort Worth area. In the 1980s, Paul pursued his passion for NHRA Alcohol Funny Cars, taking on various roles, from crew member to part-owner of the Texas Tremor team, led by Paul Kelly and Jimmy Jones. But if you asked Paul, heâ€™d say it was more fun being a â€œhandâ€ than an owner. His love for the sport was far surpassed by the lifelong, loyal friendships he built along the way. The countless days and nights spent at the â€œhot rod shopâ€ with his racing buddies were among his greatest treasures, bringing him endless joy. Many of them visited him daily until his final moments, a true testament to the deep bonds they shared. Paulâ€™s impact on others was undeniable, and those who knew him understood how much he loved and appreciated themâ€”they know who they are. On February 14, 1980, Paul married Sue Rutledge, and for over 45 years, he cherished and loved her deeply until his passing. Paulâ€™s greatest joy was his familyâ€”his four daughters and seven grandchildren. Lake Worth, in particular, held a special place in his heart, where he created unforgettable memories with them, enjoying the outdoors on the lake and listening to planes fly over Carswell AFB. If you asked each grandchild their favorite place to spend time with Pappy, it would undoubtedly be the 'bunk house' at the lakeâ€”a place he built just for them, complete with arcade games and plenty of candy. Paul had a presence that naturally drew people in. If you earned one of his infamous nicknames, you knew you were a special friend to him. He left a lasting mark on so many and lived his life by the Marine Corps motto: Semper Fiâ€”Always Faithful. That was Paul to his coreâ€”faithful to his family, his friends, and those he held closest to his heart. Paul is survived by his wife, Sue Kelly; daughters Wendy (Sheldon) McMullen, Jaie (Grant) Arlington, Angie Cook, and Amy (Zach) Amaya; and grandchildren Haley Cook, Morgan Lewis, Parker Aslin, Carter Cook, Caitlyn McMullen, Cassidy McMullen, and Ava Amaya. He is also survived by his sister, Gail Kelly (Mike) Lester; first cousins Linda Turpin (Allen) Pittman and Hugh Turpin; sister-in-law Beth Rutledge Sheets, who took extra care of his medical and hospice needs; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family in TX, TN, and GA. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janice Faye Kelly; his grandmother, Margie Carver Kelly; and his aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. J. Hugh Turpin. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Sunday, March 16, at Laurel Land Funeral Home & Memorial Park in Fort Worth, TX. An open visitation will be available Saturday, March 15, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for those who wish to visit. Following the service, a Celebration of Life will be held at 12 p.m. at The James Event Center in Joshua, TX. Guests are encouraged to wear Paul Kelly Casual attire, just as he would have wanted. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Run For The Wall in honor of the Delta 2-13 1st Marine Division: https://rftw.</i> *
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