John Thomas Kelly

John Thomas, Kelly III, or “Chucky,” as his family and friends fondly called him, passed on September 12, 2022, at 72 in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. He displayed courage daily in handling life’s challenges with a smile. No matter the soberness of the challenge, he always had a funny line or comment that would make you laugh and brighten your day. His favorite thing to say in times of duress was, “Keep your composure.” As he faced his battles with polio as a child and his medical issues in recent years, he met them with composure and grace. Despite the pain he endured, John stayed strong until the end. John attended Morehouse College, where he joined the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. He was a professional photographer and later the owner of Kelly Built construction. Many homes in the city of Atlanta were built by his company. John believed in hard work and encouraged others to strive for excellence in their endeavors. He will be remembered for his work ethic and desire to care for his family. John was a dedicated father, a doting and attentive grandfather, and an excellent big brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. John leaves behind his three children; Ingrid Kelly, Adelle Kelly, and Ledette Wright, Four grandchildren; Tradelle “Thomas” Taylor, Zoey Smith, Amelia Wright, and Jayden Wright, and five siblings; Reginald Kelly (Carmen), Gregory Kelly (Pamela) Ronald Kelly (Eunice) Jeremiah “Jerry” Kelly and his sister Sandra Kelly Guennouni, three nephews; Michael Kelly, Vernorris Kelly, Madkin Kelly, four nieces; Lanae Kelly, Tiffany Rhodes, Iris Denise Kelly, and Carena Kelly, Two loving aunts, Jeanette Bridges and Clara Bridges, ex-wife and lifetime friend, Rosie Kelly, and a plethora of loving cousins, the Bridges, and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Grace Bridges Kelly, His father, John Thomas Kelly II, and his younger brother Michael Kelly. John fought the good fight, he finished the race, he kept the faith. He will receive his crown of righteousness. Well Done. Timothy 4:7–87 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.