Obituary of Alfred Kelley

Alfred Kelley, born on March 4, 1941, to the late James Hassell Kelley and Ina Rhea Turnbow Kelley, passed away on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at the age of 83. Alfred had a lifelong passion for classic cars, with a comprehensive knowledge of their years, makes, models, and engines. He could recall every detail, including how much he paid or invested in each car. From an early age, Alfred worked alongside his father at Hassell Kelley Motor Company, detailing cars, before moving on to work on the family farm.

Known for his quiet and simple nature, Alfred valued a life of modesty and self-sufficiency. He was a self-taught learner, educating himself with a set of encyclopedias and mastering whatever he set his mind to. Alfred was known for working quickly, with a rare knack for staying both fast and meticulous. Whether detailing cars or tackling tasks on the farm, he always moved with speed and efficiency, finishing jobs thoroughly and neatly. Even amid the grimiest tasks, he managed to stay spotless. Alfred took great pride in keeping the family homeplace mowed and looking its best. The lawns were always neat and tidy under his careful watch, a testament to his sense of order and dedication.

Among his siblings, he was reputed to be the fastest of the Kelley boys, though he would have humbly denied it.

Mr. Kelley is survived by his daughter Rachel Rheatta (Denny) Petty of Kingston Springs, TN, son Wendell (Michaelena) Kelley, daughter Vickie Lynn (Patrick) Halfacre & son Michael Alan (Amanda) Kelley all of Hohenwald, TN, sister Joyce Edwards, 10 grandchildren Evan Petty, Aaron Petty, Elizabeth (Brett) Redmon, Hope (Hayden) Bass, Grace (Jalyn) Parker, Kalum Halfacre, Kason Halfacre, Whitney (Doug) Smith, Faith James & Mary Halfacre and 7 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death in addition to his parents by wife Janie Elizabeth McDonald Kelley, wife Mary Martha Sharp Kelley, brothers Tommy & Winston Kelley, sister Rita Brewer, and grandson Austin Lewis.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Lewis County Cancer Victims Fund, donations can be made through the funeral home. McDonald Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Kelley family.