Willard R. “Bill” Kelley, 72, of Selbyville, Del., formerly of Ferndale, Md., and Arlington, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, June 16, 2018. He was born in Ferndale on April 19, 1946, son of the late Willard Rex Kelley and the late Gizella Ann (Barath) Kelley, and was raised there.
Kelley served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 1965 to 1971 and attained a rank of master-sergeant in the military police. He had a long career in sales and marketing, with positions in Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas, Alabama and California for Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing Company, retiring 11 years ago with more than 30 years of service.
Kelley’s job allowed him to travel the world, and he especially enjoyed visiting China, Taiwan and Thailand. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, live theater, fundraising for Alzheimer’s charities, and working as stewardship chairman at St. Matthews By-the-Sea, as president of Swann Cove Homeowner’s Association and, most recently, at St. Peter’s Soup Kitchen. He also enjoyed dancing and fixing just about anything.
Kelley is survived by his two loving daughters, Julie Beth Hawk of Tokyo, Japan, and Stacey Lynn Bisler of Ohio; three grandchildren, Shelby Hawk, Brock Bisler and Trent Bisler; and his siblings, Jeffrey Kelley and Sherry Lynn Kelley, both of Annapolis, Md.
A celebration of life was to be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 21, 2018, at St. Matthews By-the-Sea U.M. Church, 1000 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, DE 19944. In lieu of flowers, the family suggested memorial contributions to St. Matthews By-the-Sea at the above address or to Delaware Hospice; 100 Patriots Way; Milford, DE 19963. Condolences may be sent online at www.melsonfuneralservices.com.