Eugene Larence Kelley, born Aug. 3, 1924 to Patrick and Elva Kelley in Mulberry, AR, entered into eternal life on March 28, 2007.
Eugene was in WWII from 1943-1946, serving his country as a communications operator in the US Army. After marrying his wife of 60 years, Virginia Kelley in 1946, they moved to California and to San Benito County in 1954. While living in Hollister, he ran successful businesses, his last one being Kelley’s Auto Parts, which he ran for more than 20 years.
Eugene is survived by his wife, Virginia and their five children and spouses: Darrell and Kim Kelley of Midland, NC, Pete and June Kelley of Hollister, Larry Kelley of Hollister, Don and Lisa Kelley of Hollister and Kathy and Tim Hopcroft of Hollister. He had 13 grandchildren; Christopher Kelley, Devan Kelley, Kelly Armour, Karen Armour, Chas Armour, Jordan Hopcroft, Jeremy Hopcroft, Brittany Hopcroft, Scott Kelley, Josh Radtke, Todd Kelley, “J” Coltrin and Misty Rappe. He had eight brothers and sisters; Alene Franusich of Kelsyville, CA, Delma Kelley and Sue Alread of Brenda, AZ, Nancy Harris of Brenda, AZ, and preceded in death by Daisy Kelley, Kenneth Kelley, Vena Faye Whitaker and Charles Kelley. He is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces.
Friends can pay their respects on Wednesday, April 4th from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at Black Cooper Sander Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday at the funeral home. A reception will follow the services at the Veteran’s Memorial Building.
Interment with military honors will be on Thursday, April 5th at 11:00 A.M. at the IOOF Cemetery. VFW Post 9242 will conduct military honors.
Donations are preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association.
