Mr. Thomas "Tom" Burns Kelly, 85, went to be with His Heavenly Father Sunday, January 4, 2009, after a brief illness at Whispering Pines Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland.
Tom was a native of Beauregard, MS and a longtime resident of Jackson.
The Kelly family invites friends to join them in celebrating Tom's life with visitation Tuesday, January 6, 2009, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home on High Street in Jackson. Services will be held Wednesday, January 7, 2009, at 11 a.m. at Van Winkle United Methodist Church, Robinson Road, Jackson, with visitation at the church beginning at 10 a.m.
Burial will occur at Lakewood Memorial Park in Jackson.
Tom was born on February 14, 1923, to Thomas C. and Lillian J. Kelly.
He graduated from Copiah-Lincoln Community College and also attended Mississippi State University and Jackson School of Law. Tom was co-owner of Perry and Kelly Homebuilders in Jackson, past president of the Home Builders Association of Jackson and a director of the National Home Builders Association. He was also employed by the Mississippi Economic Development Authority, securing new industry for Southwest Mississippi, Canada, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana and Alabama. Tom recently retired from a local engineering firm where he worked as a consultant.
A veteran of World War II, Tom served in the Navy as a Sonar Officer. He was stationed on a fleet mine sweeper in the Aleutian Islands and a destroyer in the South Pacific during his three-and-a-half year term. Tom remained active in Destroyer Division 38 Association, most recently serving as President and Program Chairman.
Tom served his community as Justice of the Peace for the Fourth District of Hinds County from 1963-1969, during which time he was president of the Justice Court Officers Association of Mississippi. He also served as City Commissioner for the City of Jackson from 1969-1977. As City Commissioner, Tom made a lasting impact on the city of Jackson. Accomplishments during his eight-year term included the addition of over one thousand acres of new parks, the construction of a new city auditorium and the public golf course at Riverside Park, the development of Parham Bridges Tennis Park and the development of the miniature railroad and petting zoo at Livingston Park. As a member of the State Fair Commission, he was instrumental in bringing the Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo to Jackson.
Tom served on the board of the Salvation Army for 40 years and was instrumental in securing the move of the Salvation Army Regional offices from Birmingham to Jackson, making services more readily available to citizens of this area.
He was also a member of several Masonic organizations (Wahabi Shrine, Jesters, Patrol, James Myers Lodge), Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, United Givers, Cystic Fibrosis, Regional Council of Government (Hinds, Rankin and Madison Counties), Mended Hearts, and the Mississippi Seniors Golf Associations. Community service was very important to Tom.
Tom was an active member of Van Winkle United Methodist Church for over fifty years. He served the church in many capacities, including Sunday School, Choir, Rip Van Winklers Lay Leader and the United Methodist Men. Tom also participated in the Van Winkle United Methodist Church nursing home ministry. For seventeen years, he led the residents at Magnolia Nursing Home in their worship service.
Tom is survived by his wife of 64 years, Doris Pruitt Kelly of Jackson; a brother, William O. "Bill" Kelly of Jackson; and a sister, Marjorie K. Smith of Beauregard, MS. He also leaves many nieces and nephews.
Tom was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy K. Rogan of Metairie, LA.
Tom touched many lives and will be greatly missed by his family, friends and community. He led a full life, gave to others, remained positive at all times and had a personality that engaged, helped and influenced others.
The family requests in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to the Salvation Army, Whispering Pines Hospice Ministries, 450 Town Center Boulevard, Ridgeland, MS 39157, or the Methodist Conference, Retired Minister Pension Fund, P.O. Box 1201, Jackson, MS 39215-1201.
Published in the Clarion Ledger on 1/5/2009
Tom was a native of Beauregard, MS and a longtime resident of Jackson.
The Kelly family invites friends to join them in celebrating Tom's life with visitation Tuesday, January 6, 2009, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home on High Street in Jackson. Services will be held Wednesday, January 7, 2009, at 11 a.m. at Van Winkle United Methodist Church, Robinson Road, Jackson, with visitation at the church beginning at 10 a.m.
Burial will occur at Lakewood Memorial Park in Jackson.
Tom was born on February 14, 1923, to Thomas C. and Lillian J. Kelly.
He graduated from Copiah-Lincoln Community College and also attended Mississippi State University and Jackson School of Law. Tom was co-owner of Perry and Kelly Homebuilders in Jackson, past president of the Home Builders Association of Jackson and a director of the National Home Builders Association. He was also employed by the Mississippi Economic Development Authority, securing new industry for Southwest Mississippi, Canada, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana and Alabama. Tom recently retired from a local engineering firm where he worked as a consultant.
A veteran of World War II, Tom served in the Navy as a Sonar Officer. He was stationed on a fleet mine sweeper in the Aleutian Islands and a destroyer in the South Pacific during his three-and-a-half year term. Tom remained active in Destroyer Division 38 Association, most recently serving as President and Program Chairman.
Tom served his community as Justice of the Peace for the Fourth District of Hinds County from 1963-1969, during which time he was president of the Justice Court Officers Association of Mississippi. He also served as City Commissioner for the City of Jackson from 1969-1977. As City Commissioner, Tom made a lasting impact on the city of Jackson. Accomplishments during his eight-year term included the addition of over one thousand acres of new parks, the construction of a new city auditorium and the public golf course at Riverside Park, the development of Parham Bridges Tennis Park and the development of the miniature railroad and petting zoo at Livingston Park. As a member of the State Fair Commission, he was instrumental in bringing the Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo to Jackson.
Tom served on the board of the Salvation Army for 40 years and was instrumental in securing the move of the Salvation Army Regional offices from Birmingham to Jackson, making services more readily available to citizens of this area.
He was also a member of several Masonic organizations (Wahabi Shrine, Jesters, Patrol, James Myers Lodge), Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, United Givers, Cystic Fibrosis, Regional Council of Government (Hinds, Rankin and Madison Counties), Mended Hearts, and the Mississippi Seniors Golf Associations. Community service was very important to Tom.
Tom was an active member of Van Winkle United Methodist Church for over fifty years. He served the church in many capacities, including Sunday School, Choir, Rip Van Winklers Lay Leader and the United Methodist Men. Tom also participated in the Van Winkle United Methodist Church nursing home ministry. For seventeen years, he led the residents at Magnolia Nursing Home in their worship service.
Tom is survived by his wife of 64 years, Doris Pruitt Kelly of Jackson; a brother, William O. "Bill" Kelly of Jackson; and a sister, Marjorie K. Smith of Beauregard, MS. He also leaves many nieces and nephews.
Tom was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy K. Rogan of Metairie, LA.
Tom touched many lives and will be greatly missed by his family, friends and community. He led a full life, gave to others, remained positive at all times and had a personality that engaged, helped and influenced others.
The family requests in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to the Salvation Army, Whispering Pines Hospice Ministries, 450 Town Center Boulevard, Ridgeland, MS 39157, or the Methodist Conference, Retired Minister Pension Fund, P.O. Box 1201, Jackson, MS 39215-1201.
Published in the Clarion Ledger on 1/5/2009
Mr. Thomas "Tom" Burns Kelly, 85, went to be with His Heavenly Father Sunday, January 4, 2009, after a brief illness at Whispering Pines Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland.
Tom was a native of Beauregard, MS and a longtime resident of Jackson.
The Kelly family invites friends to join them in celebrating Tom's life with visitation Tuesday, January 6, 2009, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home on High Street in Jackson. Services will be held Wednesday, January 7, 2009, at 11 a.m. at Van Winkle United Methodist Church, Robinson Road, Jackson, with visitation at the church beginning at 10 a.m.
Burial will occur at Lakewood Memorial Park in Jackson.
Tom was born on February 14, 1923, to Thomas C. and Lillian J. Kelly.
He graduated from Copiah-Lincoln Community College and also attended Mississippi State University and Jackson School of Law. Tom was co-owner of Perry and Kelly Homebuilders in Jackson, past president of the Home Builders Association of Jackson and a director of the National Home Builders Association. He was also employed by the Mississippi Economic Development Authority, securing new industry for Southwest Mississippi, Canada, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana and Alabama. Tom recently retired from a local engineering firm where he worked as a consultant.
A veteran of World War II, Tom served in the Navy as a Sonar Officer. He was stationed on a fleet mine sweeper in the Aleutian Islands and a destroyer in the South Pacific during his three-and-a-half year term. Tom remained active in Destroyer Division 38 Association, most recently serving as President and Program Chairman.
Tom served his community as Justice of the Peace for the Fourth District of Hinds County from 1963-1969, during which time he was president of the Justice Court Officers Association of Mississippi. He also served as City Commissioner for the City of Jackson from 1969-1977. As City Commissioner, Tom made a lasting impact on the city of Jackson. Accomplishments during his eight-year term included the addition of over one thousand acres of new parks, the construction of a new city auditorium and the public golf course at Riverside Park, the development of Parham Bridges Tennis Park and the development of the miniature railroad and petting zoo at Livingston Park. As a member of the State Fair Commission, he was instrumental in bringing the Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo to Jackson.
Tom served on the board of the Salvation Army for 40 years and was instrumental in securing the move of the Salvation Army Regional offices from Birmingham to Jackson, making services more readily available to citizens of this area.
He was also a member of several Masonic organizations (Wahabi Shrine, Jesters, Patrol, James Myers Lodge), Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, United Givers, Cystic Fibrosis, Regional Council of Government (Hinds, Rankin and Madison Counties), Mended Hearts, and the Mississippi Seniors Golf Associations. Community service was very important to Tom.
Tom was an active member of Van Winkle United Methodist Church for over fifty years. He served the church in many capacities, including Sunday School, Choir, Rip Van Winklers Lay Leader and the United Methodist Men. Tom also participated in the Van Winkle United Methodist Church nursing home ministry. For seventeen years, he led the residents at Magnolia Nursing Home in their worship service.
Tom is survived by his wife of 64 years, Doris Pruitt Kelly of Jackson; a brother, William O. "Bill" Kelly of Jackson; and a sister, Marjorie K. Smith of Beauregard, MS. He also leaves many nieces and nephews.
Tom was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy K. Rogan of Metairie, LA.
Tom touched many lives and will be greatly missed by his family, friends and community. He led a full life, gave to others, remained positive at all times and had a personality that engaged, helped and influenced others.
The family requests in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to the Salvation Army, Whispering Pines Hospice Ministries, 450 Town Center Boulevard, Ridgeland, MS 39157, or the Methodist Conference, Retired Minister Pension Fund, P.O. Box 1201, Jackson, MS 39215-1201.
Published in the Clarion Ledger on 1/5/2009
Tom was a native of Beauregard, MS and a longtime resident of Jackson.
The Kelly family invites friends to join them in celebrating Tom's life with visitation Tuesday, January 6, 2009, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home on High Street in Jackson. Services will be held Wednesday, January 7, 2009, at 11 a.m. at Van Winkle United Methodist Church, Robinson Road, Jackson, with visitation at the church beginning at 10 a.m.
Burial will occur at Lakewood Memorial Park in Jackson.
Tom was born on February 14, 1923, to Thomas C. and Lillian J. Kelly.
He graduated from Copiah-Lincoln Community College and also attended Mississippi State University and Jackson School of Law. Tom was co-owner of Perry and Kelly Homebuilders in Jackson, past president of the Home Builders Association of Jackson and a director of the National Home Builders Association. He was also employed by the Mississippi Economic Development Authority, securing new industry for Southwest Mississippi, Canada, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana and Alabama. Tom recently retired from a local engineering firm where he worked as a consultant.
A veteran of World War II, Tom served in the Navy as a Sonar Officer. He was stationed on a fleet mine sweeper in the Aleutian Islands and a destroyer in the South Pacific during his three-and-a-half year term. Tom remained active in Destroyer Division 38 Association, most recently serving as President and Program Chairman.
Tom served his community as Justice of the Peace for the Fourth District of Hinds County from 1963-1969, during which time he was president of the Justice Court Officers Association of Mississippi. He also served as City Commissioner for the City of Jackson from 1969-1977. As City Commissioner, Tom made a lasting impact on the city of Jackson. Accomplishments during his eight-year term included the addition of over one thousand acres of new parks, the construction of a new city auditorium and the public golf course at Riverside Park, the development of Parham Bridges Tennis Park and the development of the miniature railroad and petting zoo at Livingston Park. As a member of the State Fair Commission, he was instrumental in bringing the Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo to Jackson.
Tom served on the board of the Salvation Army for 40 years and was instrumental in securing the move of the Salvation Army Regional offices from Birmingham to Jackson, making services more readily available to citizens of this area.
He was also a member of several Masonic organizations (Wahabi Shrine, Jesters, Patrol, James Myers Lodge), Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, United Givers, Cystic Fibrosis, Regional Council of Government (Hinds, Rankin and Madison Counties), Mended Hearts, and the Mississippi Seniors Golf Associations. Community service was very important to Tom.
Tom was an active member of Van Winkle United Methodist Church for over fifty years. He served the church in many capacities, including Sunday School, Choir, Rip Van Winklers Lay Leader and the United Methodist Men. Tom also participated in the Van Winkle United Methodist Church nursing home ministry. For seventeen years, he led the residents at Magnolia Nursing Home in their worship service.
Tom is survived by his wife of 64 years, Doris Pruitt Kelly of Jackson; a brother, William O. "Bill" Kelly of Jackson; and a sister, Marjorie K. Smith of Beauregard, MS. He also leaves many nieces and nephews.
Tom was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy K. Rogan of Metairie, LA.
Tom touched many lives and will be greatly missed by his family, friends and community. He led a full life, gave to others, remained positive at all times and had a personality that engaged, helped and influenced others.
The family requests in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to the Salvation Army, Whispering Pines Hospice Ministries, 450 Town Center Boulevard, Ridgeland, MS 39157, or the Methodist Conference, Retired Minister Pension Fund, P.O. Box 1201, Jackson, MS 39215-1201.
Published in the Clarion Ledger on 1/5/2009
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