Everett Lee Kelly Jr., 70, of Durham, passed away unexpectedly Friday, March 14, 2025.
Everett was a son of the late Rev. Everett Lee Kelly Sr. and Mable Dunlap Kelly.
Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother, Donald Kelly; two children, Dawn and Eric Kelly; and his wife of 46 years, Bonnie Blakely Kelly.
Everett was born and raised in Hamlet, North Carolina. At the age of 19, Everett enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1974 where he faithfully served his nation for four years. Following his military career, Everett would graduate from Gardner-Webb University with a degree in business.
For work, Everett was a licensed P-1 plumber and general contractor for All Pro Plumbing and Construction. Outside of work, Everett was passionate about the U.S. Air Force, collecting guns and fishing. Above all he loved and cherished attending church and spending time with his loving family.
Everett is survived by his daughters, Sonja (Milton) Escobar and Crystal Díaz; grandchildren, Ethan Kelly, Evan Kelly, Eli Kelly, Elexander Medrano-Kelly, Emanuel Castro-Kelly, Courtney Kelly, Isabela Escobar-Kelly, Elliot Díaz-Kelly, Ezekiel Escobar-Kelly, Dawson Kelly and Esaias Escobar-Kelly. He is also survived by his brother, Joel Kelly.
The family will receive friends for visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. at Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham, Thursday March 20, 2025. Friday morning at 11 a.m., a service will be held in the Watson-King Chapel with the Rev. Jerry Goins officiating. Burial will proceed at Richmond Co. Memorial Park where military honors will be presented.
Any online condolences can be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is honored to assist the Kelly family.
