Kelley, Earnest Garland
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Earnest Garland Kelley, at the age of 92, on Friday, November 8, 2024, at his home. Dad lived a life full of adventure, love, and purpose. A lifelong resident of Giles County, Virginia, except for his time serving in the Navy during the early 1950s, Dad embodied the spirit of the great outdoors and the heart of a close-knit family.
Born on January 25, 1932, dad was a true outdoorsman. He found immense joy in hunting and fishing, and he spent countless hours in the mountains, rivers, and creeks of his beloved home, sharing these passions with family and friends. His strong hands helped us reel in the biggest catches and track down elusive bucks, but more importantly, he taught us the values of patience, respect for wildlife, and an appreciation for the beauty of nature.
Beyond his love for the outdoors, dad was the pillar of strength for his family. He faced life’s challenges with courage and determination, always encouraging his loved ones to pursue their dreams and never back down. His warm smile could light up any room, and his quick wit made every family gathering unforgettable. If you ever made a mistake, you could be sure dad would make you the subject of a joke or two—but always with love.
Dad leaves behind a wealth of cherished memories and a legacy of strength, wisdom, and humor that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. His simple, country-boy wisdom will guide us in the days to come, and we will forever carry his spirit with us.
Dad is survived by his devoted wife, Billie Colleen Kelley; his brother, Gene Kelley of Pearisburg; his daughter, Angela Kelley; his son, Rusty Kelley and daughter-in-law, Jan Kelley; his grandchildren, Holly Guillot, Daniel Kelley, Lauren Kelley, Brenden Kelley, and Emma Walker; and his great-grandchildren, Matthew Kelley, Karsyn Kelley, Jackson Kelley, Ross Guillot, Zoe Guillot, Eva Theriault, Tobias Theriault, and Theodore Kelley.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Wallace Kelley and Jerry Kelley; his sister, Delores Kelley; his son, Garland Rickie Kelley; his daughter-in-law, Barbara Blevins Kelley; and his grandson, Rickie Kelley Jr.
Dad’s love, laughter, and strength will be deeply missed, but the legacy he leaves behind will continue to inspire and guide us.
Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 2 pm at the Givens – Riffe Funeral Chapel in Narrows with Pastor Ward Harris officiating with burial following in the Fairview Cemetery in Narrows. The family will receive friends at the funeral home 1 hour before the service from 1 – 2pm.
The family is being served by Givens – Riffe Funeral Service in Narrows, (540) 726-2442, and online at riffefuneralservice.com.
