Earl Lamar Kelly

A graveside service for Lamar Kelly will be held Saturday, December 12, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. from Hope Cemetery in Neshoba County with Dr. Kevin Jones officiating. McClain-Hays Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Earl ”Lamar” Kelly, age 79, and a resident of Richland, passed away on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, at his home surrounded by his family. Lamar was born January 21, 1941, in Bentonia, MS. He graduated from Anding High School in 1959, attended Hinds Junior College, and graduated from MSU in 1964. He owned and operated Mississippi Gravely Sales, first in Jackson, and later in Richland. He was a member of First Baptist Church Richland for over 40 years. He served as a deacon and on various committees, but his passion was his Co-Ed Sunday School Class, which he taught for over 35 years along with his wife. After retirement he enjoyed woodturning and was a member of the Magnolia Woodturners Association. He also enjoyed going to his hobby farm in Yazoo County. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Dianne Smith Kelly; son, Patrick Kelly (Kristina) of Pearl, and son, Russell Kelly of Hiram, GA; five grandchildren, Midshipman 2/C Lillian Kelly, Chloe Kelly, Colc Kelly, Regan Kelly and Emily Kelly. He is survived by his sister, Elaine Stampley of Brandon; several nieces and nephews; and many friends. Mr. Kelly was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Lillian Kelly; and two brothers, Hugh and Dale. Pallbearers are Robert Neely, Roger Daniels, Gary Roebuck, Gary Kettleman, Sammy Young and Rich Hill. The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Vincent Herrin and the hematology team at UMMC Cancer Institute, and to Sta-Home Home Health & Hospice. In lieu of flowers, family requests memorials to be made to Grace Harvest Food Pantry, c/o First Baptist Church Richland, 1102 Hwy 49 South, Richland, MS 39218.