Co-Founder of CAYL J. W. Kelly Laid to Rest

John Wilks (J.W.) Kelly, Jr., a native of Baton Rouge and long-time resident of Central, died on Sunday, May 15, 2016  in Daytona Beach, FL. He was 93 years old. On Nov. 28, 1942, he married  his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Joyce Montgomery Kelly.

In 1943, J.W. and Joyce graduated from Central High School and shortly thereafter, J. W. enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He was involved in the conflict over Italy and Germany and earned an Air Medal, three Bronze Stars, a Victory Medal and a medal for Good Conduct.

J.W. loved and played a number of sports, including basketball, baseball, and golf. As a young adult, J. W. played semi-pro baseball and later golfed weekly at the Greenwood/Dumas golf course.  On his Hooper Road property, he built baseball and softball fields for his children which he made available to many local youth teams. The area became known as “Kelly Field”.  He was also involved in founding the Central Area Youth League (CAYL).

J. W. is survived by his son John W. Kelly III and daughter-in-law, Maureen of Mandeville; his daughter Tara K. Bryan and son-in-law Jim of Daytona Beach; four grandchildren:  Bailey Rose Kelly, Luke Montgomery Bryan, Paige Victoria Bryan, and Shea Rebecca Bryan; one brother: Glenn Frederick Kelly; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Joyce Yvonne Montgomery Kelly; parents, John Wilks Kelly, Sr. and Rosalie Bookter Kelly; and a brother, Raymond Lloyd Kelly.

One of J.W.’s last written requests was that anyone wishing “to remember me, do it with a kind deed or word to someone who needs you.”  In lieu of flowers, donations in J.W.’s memory can be made to the Central Area Youth League, P.O. Box 78013, Baton Rouge. 70837-8013, Blackwater United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, or a favorite charity.

A memorial service was held June 4 at Blackwater United Methodist Church.