Frank J. Kelly

Frank J. Kelly was born on January 12, 1961 in Montgomery, Alabama to the late David Kelly and Hardie Kelly. He graduated from Sidney Lanier High School on June 1, 1978 and continued onto college at Alabama State University. Frank was rewarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting on August 21, 1982 and was commissioned into the United States Air Force on October 21, 1982. Frank began his military career in Hill AFB, Utah and was later stationed at Kadena Air base, Japan and at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Dayton, Ohio. Frank also attended Air University Squadron Officers School at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. Frank was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Outstanding Unit award, the Air Force Organizational Excellence award; the National Defense Service award, the Air Force Overseas Long Tour ribbon; and the Air Force Longevity Service award ribbon with one oak leaf cluster. Frank served during the time period of August 2, 1990 – April 30, 1995 in support of OPERATION Desert Shield/Storm/Calm. Captain Frank J. Kelly served his country with pride and honor until April 30, 1995, his “Character of Service” was honorable.\n \nOn May 26, 1990 Frank pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity while serving at Wright-Patterson, Air Force Base. He dutifully worked with his fraternity brothers in various community projects like “Big Hands Little Hands” fostering pride in self, education and a commitment of serving others. \n \nFrank used his extensive auditing background obtained from his military service as he entered his career in the federal government under the Inspector General, Department of Defense in Arlington Virginia in April of 1998. Frank was awarded the position of Program Manager and led his team of what he called “young bright auditors” with a calm and quiet disposition of experience, wisdom, and excellence. Additionally, Frank worked on various projects with National Aeronautics and Space Administration in Greenbelt, Maryland.\n \nFrank met Benita Ashley at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, where they were later joined in marriage on December 4, 1993 and remained married for 16 years. Frank and Benita have 3 children; son James Kelly, daughters FraNita Kelly and Ashley Kelly. Frank was preceded in death by his sister Anna Peterson (brother-in-law Cato Peterson). Frank is survived by his brother David Kelly (sister-in-law Jackie Kelly), sister Diane Brooks, (brother-in-law James Brooks), brother Will Kelly (sister-in-law Vanzette Kelly), sister Eloise Arrington (brother-in-law Melvin Arrington), sister Annette Milton (brother-in-law Arnold Milton), sister Mary Adam (brother-in-law Jimmy Adam), sister Catherine Johnson (brother-in-law Wayne Johnson), aunt Alice Jackson, uncle Ishamel Kelly, aunt Alice Brown, uncle Amos Kelly, and special friends “Dayton Crew.”\n \n*A second funeral service will be held on Friday, December 3, 2010 at 12:00 p.m. at Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church 4694 Highway 21 North Lowndesboro, Alabama 36752 To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Frank J. Kelly please visit our Sympathy Store.