Biography

Thomas White Kelly, 98, of Garland went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 9, 2012. Mr. Kelly was born April 20, 1914 in O’Brien, Texas. He joined the Marine Corps in 1938 and retired as Master Sergeant after twenty years of active duty. He was a veteran of World War II, participated in the Battle for Guadalcanal and served in the Korean War. He will be buried with full Military Honors in the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas.

Mr. Kelly’s life was dedicated to serving God and others. He was a member of the First Baptist Church Garland for almost 50 years and was involved in initiating the Intercessory Prayer Ministry, where he prayed weekly for over 25 years. He and his wife, Jeanie, participated in the Praise Singers, Children’s Ministries, and Campers’s on Mission. He made over 3,500 lap spreads and distributed them to area nursing homes, fulfilling a dream he shared with Jeanie to warm the hearts of nursing home residents. In 2005, he was recipient of the George Washington Honor Medal for volunteerism by the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge.

Survivors include his loving and devoted family: Corene and Robert Cannon, Pat and Bob Walker and Sharon and Greg Blankennagel; nine grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.

Visitation

Monday August 13, 2012, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Williams Memorial Chapel
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In lieu of flowers the family request memorials to be given to: First Baptist Chruch of Garland, The Friendship House or The Scottish Rite Hospital For Children.

Funeral Service

Tuesday August 14, 2012, 10:00 a.m. at Cockrell Chapel First Baptist Church of Garland
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Graveside Service

Tuesday August 14, 2012, 2:00 p.m. at DFW National Cemetery
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