John Mack Kelley, the son of the late Johnny William Kelley and Anna Lee Manes Kelley, was born June 8, 1952 at Hardy, Arkansas and departed this life August 8, 2018 at St. Bernards’s Hospital in Jonesboro, Arkansas at the age of 66 years and 2 months.
He was united in marriage to Janice Lohr on November 11, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. At that time, John relocated to Los Angeles, California with Janice, returning to his home in Hardy in July 2014, where they enjoyed retirement by spending every day of life together.
He is survived by his wife, Janice Kelley of the home in Hardy, Arkansas; one daughter, Dana Kelley and Richie Hepler of Cherokee Village, Arkansas; one son, John Michael Kelley and Rachel of Peru, Illinois; four grandchildren, Ashley Kelley, Ian Kelley, Caleb Kelley and Gabriella Kelley; two great grandchildren, Slate AJ French and Mason Ray French; three brothers, Joe Stidman and Lela Mae of Koshkonong, Missouri, Larry Kelley and Donna of Hardy, Arkansas, and Conway Spurlock Jr. of Hardy, Arkansas; one sister, Kathy Linhart and Steve of Hardy, Arkansas; his stepfather, Conway Spurlock of Hardy, Arkansas; brother-in-law, David Lohr and Jeannie of Thayer, Missouri; several aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews; and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Bruce M. Kelley. John was only five years old when his father passed away. At that time, John took on the roll of a father to his younger brothers and sister.
He loved the Lord and attended Abundant Life Church in Highland, and spent many hours in prayer for his family and friends that they all would encounter a relationship with Christ. John loved his family and friends and was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He enjoyed spending time on the farm with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Papa loved giving his grandchildren rides on his Bulldog and Tractor.
John was a 1970 graduate of Highland High School of Highland, Arkansas, and worked 35 years for the Highland School District at the Cherokee Elementary School. He also owned and operated his own business, Kelley Lawn Care and Janitorial Service, by serving many elderly people in the community.
He enjoyed bowling and was able to achieve the perfect 300 game, placing him in the United States Bowling Hall of Fame. After months of battling health issues, John is now hme in Heaven, completely whole.
Funeral services for John Mack Kelley will be held Sunday, August 12, 2018 at 3:00 PM in the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, with Pastor Joey Barnes officiating.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, August 11, 2o18 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
Burial will be in the Thayer Cemetery with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home in Thayer.