Ronald L. Kelly, 83, of Morgantown, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2022, at Stone Rise Nursing Home. Ron was born on Sept. 12, 1938, son of the late Gerald Lovell Kelly and Wanda Yeager Kelly, of Morgantown. He met the love of his life, Lora Jane Summers Kelly, to whom he was married for nearly 65 years, during his senior year in high school. Ron graduated from University High School in 1956.
After a year of compulsory service in the U.S. Army, Ron and his wife moved to northwest Florida, where he worked in law enforcement for nearly 30 years as a game warden for the Florida Game and Fish Commission and an officer in the Department of Corrections. Upon his retirement, Ron and Jane moved back to Morgantown, where they spent the remainder of their years. Ron’s favorite pastimes were spending time with family, fishing, turkey hunting, camping, sports and coaching little league football/basketball/baseball.
In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his wife, Lora Jane Summers Kelly, and two of his brothers, Gerald Junior Kelly and Donald Kelly. He is survived by his son, Daniel Clay Kelly; two grandchildren, Reece Kelly and Celeste Kelly; and his twin brother, Robert “Bob” Kelly.
The family would like to thank Kathy, Brook “Red” and Kevin, who cared for Ron at home during his later years, and the staff at Stone Rise Hospice.
Friends and family will be received at Community United Methodist Church, 1966 Grafton Road, Morgantown, from 9-11:30 a.m., followed by a service from 11:30 a.m.-noon on Sept. 24. Pastor Lawrence Rebelo will be officiating. Interment will follow at Beverly Hills Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the West Virginia State Parks Foundation (https://wvspf.org/donations.html).
