Obituary of William Paul Kelly

William “Jerry” Paul Kelly, age 63, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. He will be deeply missed by family, friends, and anyone lucky enough to have shared a conversation—or a meal—with him.

Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Jerry was the youngest of five in a vibrant Irish family. He and his siblings enjoyed an active childhood in a close-knit community, forming friendships that lasted a lifetime.

His dad was a Special Agent for the FBI and his mom was an amazing homemaker which made it possible for the Kelly family to travel extensively throughout the western U.S., hunting and fishing across New Mexico and visiting relatives in Montana—including the Quinn, Foy, and Keilman clans. Trips to the Oregon coast with his mother’s side—the Bryant family—were especially meaningful, filled with crabbing, salmon fishing, and cherished traditions.

In 1983, Jerry began his 42-year career with Delta Airlines, helping launch the Albuquerque station and later serving as a Super Tug Operator in Atlanta, Georgia. A brief assignment in Juneau, Alaska, was where he experienced one of the most profound joys of his life—the birth of his daughter, Kristina Marie Kelly.

Jerry was known for embracing life with wholehearted joy. He cherished the times he would visit loved ones in Alaska, casting lines in Mexico alongside his closest friends—the Gasque brothers—and illuminating his Georgia neighborhood with luminarias each Christmas, a tradition he cherished. His love of New Mexico chile was legendary, and he always credited Annabelle “Nana” Miller with teaching him the art of preparing it properly from the pods. His homemade “Jerry Kelly Peach Jelly” became a beloved staple—shared with pride and remembered with affection by all who tasted it.

He adored 90s country music and never missed a chance to “boot scoot and boogie.” His signature catchphrases still echo in the hearts of those who knew him—especially his reminder to “DO RIGHT.” Jerry’s generosity, loyalty, and kindness were unmatched, and he was always ready to give the shirt off his back.

Jerry is survived by his daughter, Kristina (Benjamin) Batten; her mother and former wife, Karena Kelly; his grandson, Joshua Norman; previous wife, Donna Naranjo Kelly; sister Linda (Barry) Evans; brothers Jim (Mary Jo), Joe, and John (Susan); beloved nieces, Kyrstyn, Kaytlyn, Emma, Molly, and Kelly; nephew Barry, many cousins; and beloved dog Cowboy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice “Jim” James and Mary “Mae” Louise Kelly; niece Leila Pelch; and bonus daughter Courtney Hosier.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Sherrell-Westbury Funeral Home in Jackson, Georgia. Additional memorial gatherings will take place in New Mexico in December 2025 and in Alaska in June 2026.

Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www.sherrell-westburyfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of William “Jerry” Kelly to one of the following organizations that reflect the values he held dear:

Shatterproof – a national nonprofit working to end the stigma of addiction and improve treatment, offering hope and healing to families. Supporting Shatterproof honors Jerry’s compassion, his belief in second chances, and his unwavering faith in people—even in their darkest moments; ASPCA, or the National Park Foundation – in tribute to Jerry’s lifelong love of animals, nature, and the outdoors. Contributions to these organizations celebrate his generous spirit and deep devotion to community and family

Sherrell-Westbury Funeral Home, 212 E. College Street, Jackson, GA, is serving the Kelly family.