Mr. Kenneth Kelly

Ken Kelly, known by all as "Kelly", departed this life peacefully at 4:30 PM on Friday, March 9th. He was a retired teacher for CMSD and a graduate of East High School and Bowling Green University and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. He was also the owner of Ken Kelly's Lawncare. He is survived by his devoted wife of 36 years, Mary Boone Kelly; cherished daughter Malita Reese (Brandon) of Atlanta, GA; son of the late Marie Taylor and a host of extended relatives, numerous friends and colleagues. He was a deeply valued and dedicated member of the E. F. Boyd & Son family for over 40 years. Always dependable and faithful, he had a dry wit and deeply founded wisdom that will never be replaced. He was a mentor and father-figure to many students and co-workers. He will be deeply missed. God bless you Kelly and we thank you immensely for your service. Obituary Kenneth Kelly gently entered this world to the joy of his mother Marie Taylor on Saturday, February 23, 1946 in Tchula, Mississippi. He was the third of five boys. While he was still a teenager, the family moved to Cleveland, Ohio where he attended East High School. “Kent” or “Kelly” as most people would call him, was known for his work ethic. A track star in high school, his passion, skill and love of track earned him a full scholarship to Bowling Green State University. He would always say, “they ran the fool out of me [at Bowling Green]!” While in college his outlook on both, track and life evolved. Quoted in an April 1967 issue of the Bowling Green News, Kelly said- “Track is an individual sport and each individual must work for the good of the team… a person should work just as hard when the team is at full strength than when it is not…” As a sophomore, his coach saw him as the team leader. His work ethic led Kelly to win Who’s Who in Track, early in the season, an honor only presented to outstanding performers. Kelly, who was always taking on challenges and looking toward the future, once stated about being in college, “Up here you are on your own… there’s no one always around, like in high school, to watch over you.” Among other accomplishments during his time at Bowling Green was pledging Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Kelly earned a Bachelor of education and upon graduation began working for the Cleveland Board of Education. He taught at Robert H. Jamison and Charles W. Elliott schools. However, Kelly spent the majority of his academic career at South High School, where he coached track, taught health education and physical education. Kelly believed in both mentorship and entrepreneurship. While still an educator, he started Ken Kelly Lawn Care. He mentored many students from South High School, teaching them the “in’s and out’s” of landscaping, eventually hiring many. Simultaneously, he began working for E. F. Boyd and Son Funeral Home on holidays and weekends. After 30 years of working for the Cleveland Board of Education he retired. In 1981, he married his dream girl Mary Boone. To this union, one precious child was born— Malita Michelle, his pride and joy. Kelly got the most out of each and every day. He was a father figure to many, easily and often shared his dry wit, looked after his neighbors daily and enjoyed listening to his music—R & B and country—while he worked. In addition to family, work and neighbors, he had many hobbies. Some of his favorite activities included: eating breakfast every morning with his colleagues, bike riding, fishing, furniture restoration, golfing, attending car and house auctions and browsing for antique furniture. Kenneth Kelly peacefully departed this world on Friday, March 9, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio with his family by his side. He was proceeded in death by his loving mother Marie Taylor; honored grandparents Ozell and Annie B. Mitchell; and dear brothers- Robert L. Mitchell, Tommy, Gerald and Larry Kelly. Kelly leaves to cherish his memories: his beloved wife Mary Boone Kelly and adored daughter Malita (Brandon) Reese, Atlanta, GA.; “Sons”—Don Harris, Jason Weaver, Manis “Smithy” Smith and Myron Stevens; and a host of treasured aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, in-laws, godchildren, friends and colleagues. Kelly will be truly missed by all who knew him.

Mr. Kenneth Kelly

February 23, 1946 - March 9, 2018