Michael Kelly, a beloved father, brother, and member of the Brownwood community, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 6, 2025, in Brownwood, Texas, at the age of 60. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 18, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Brownwood Funeral Home. A Funeral Service celebrating Michael’s life will be held on Saturday, April 19, at 11:00 AM at the First Methodist Church in Brownwood, Texas.
Born July 7, 1964, in Worms, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, to Shirley Kelly Jr. and Gurden Klara Rahalf, Michael’s life was a tapestry woven with threads of faith, family, and community. He moved to Brownwood, Texas in 1991 to be closer to his father, where he built a life filled with love and lasting friendships. Michael was a proud fifth-generation member of Emanuel Chapel United Methodist Episcopal Church, joining in 2002 under the ministry of Benny Alcorn. He was a dedicated and active member, contributing generously to fundraising efforts and preserving the rich history of his church.
His educational journey included public schooling in Columbia, SC, and graduated in 1982 and worked different jobs after high school. He started working for MHMR in 1997 and had a career in Forster Care caring for people. He received his Bachelor of Science in Management from Kaplan University and his Master of Science in Performance Improvement, earned with distinction. He was a man of diverse interests and hobbies, known for his outgoing nature and warm personality that goes along with talking “PLENTY” of noise. He will be remembered for his dedication to his family and community, his unwavering faith, and his remarkable contributions to Emanuel Chapel United Methodist Episcopal Church.
He is preceded in Death by his parents Shirley Kelly Jr. and Gurden Klara Rahalf.
He is survived by his cherished daughter, Shona Isbell of South Carolina; his sisters: Patricia Ladson of Hopkins, SC and Tanya Kelly of Columbia, SC; brothers: Ricky Orise of L.A, CA, Timmie Kelly (Barbara) of Columbia, SC, Shirley Kelly III (Angie) of Columbia, SC, Ricky Kelly of Columbia, SC, Larry Kelly of Georgia, adopted brothers: Herbert Colbert of Brownwood, TX, and Daniel Buitron of May, TX. He also leaves behind a beloved nephew, Timmie Kelly (Susanna) of Brownwood, TX; adopted great-nephew: Fabien Terrell Bonds, and four grandchildren along with a host of nieces and nephews who will carry his memory in their hearts. On behalf of the family, they want to thank a few special people, Kim Norman, Rhonda Kelton, Glenda Cotton, Joey Dolberry, and Daniel Buitron
Services entrusted to Brownwood Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at brownwoodfuneralhome.net.
