James Edward Kelley

James E. Kelley, 80, a resident of Andalusia, Alabama and a longtime former resident of Luverne, passed away at Mizzell Memorial Hospital in Opp on Saturday, January 20th, 2024. A celebration of James's life will be held at 1 PM on Thursday, January 25th, at Faith Walk Ministries with his sons, Rev. Terry Kelley and Rev. Jerry Kelley, officiating and delivering the eulogy.

James had an excellent work ethic, which served him well during his 30-year long career with UPS. Even after retirement, James continued to be affectionately known as the "UPS Guy" to so many around his home county. His personality was well-suited to his career choice as James was one of the most outgoing people you could ever meet. He could easily strike up a conversation with anyone, and he'd keep going as long as you were willing to listen! He was also extraordinarily generous to everyone he came into contact with. It wasn't the least bit unusual for him to open his home to numerous people over the years when they needed help or to host a good 35 to 40 people for Thanksgiving. His love for his fellow man shone brightly in the difficult world, therefore he leaves behind a remarkable legacy of love to inspire all those who knew him.

In his younger days, James truly adored being able to spend time teaching his children how to both hunt and fish, as they learned valuable skills while spending that time together bonding. He was certainly a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who cherished his family as his greatest treasure on this earth. Oh, and you'd better believe on Saturdays in the Fall, James was going to be the biggest Crimson Tide fan out there! In his free time, he enjoyed a good gospel tune and a good steak. He definitely had a great appreciation for good food, and it was even better if there was a buffet! He also never said no to a trip to his beloved Smoky Mountains where he could enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.

James was also a long-time member of Faith Walk Ministries while he lived in Luverne before moving to Andalusia with his second chance at love, his wife Cola, where they attended The Landing Place, and he loved both of his church families dearly. Few have as good of a sense of humor as he did, nor loved so much to make people laugh. For all that he did and all that he was, James loved his role of "PawPaw" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren the most during his lifetime. He meant so much to so many people in his life that his leaving has created a hole that can never be filled, but all those who knew and loved him will continue to keep his memory and legacy of love and generosity alive for many more years to come.

James was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Sue Pittman Kelley; parents, Robert Hartwell & Lois Evelyn McKay Kelley; and siblings, Virgil Kelley, Hurston Kelley, Oley Kelley, and Talmon Kelley. He is survived by his wife, Cola Daughtry; his children, Ronnie (Chrissy) Kelley, Jerry (Sonya) Kelley, Terry (Christy) Kelley, Tina (Jeff) Legg, and Scotty (Amanda) Kelley; grandchildren, Paige Sowell, Lane Kelley, Caleb Kelley, Clay Legg, Laci Kelley, Camdyn Legg, Ella Kelley, Wyatt Kelley, Owen Kelley, and Emmie Kelley; great-grandchildren, Lydia Sowell, Layken Sowell, and Bryson Brady; siblings, Era Richards, Helen Kelley, Dwight Kelley, Alberta Cashon, Norma Jean Wallace, and Robert Kelley; and a veritable host of multiple generations of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.