WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Billy Carroll Kelley, 66, of Centreville, died Sunday, May 17, 2009 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo following a long illness. He was born in Perryville, Ark. on Aug. 5, 1942 the son of Rudy W. and Lucy Thelma Mae (Dancer) Kelley. The family moved to Michigan when he was 14 years old. Billy was employed as a Welder at Standard Steel and at W.F. Wells in Three Rivers. He enjoyed all types of music, and performed at local pubs and events.
Billy was married to Marcia (Bender) Papke on Nov. 17, 1990 in Paw Paw. She survives along with three children, Billy Darrin Kelley (Lisa) of Three Rivers, Sheila Howell and Patty Sue Stevens both of Perryville, Ark.; 10 grandchildren including Ashley Marie Kelley and Shelby Danielle Kelley; three great-grandchildren; three sisters, Tiny Warner of Three Rivers, Ruby Harper (William) of Florida, and Janie Klir (Michael) of Marcellus; four brothers, Jay Kelley (Janette) of White Pigeon, Jerry Kelley (Dena) of Marcellus, Randell Eugene Kelley (Kim) of Three Rivers, and Michael Kelley (Kathy) of Marcellus; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Rudy Edward Kelley and Rudy Washington Kelley; one nephew, Jeffrey Kelley, and a niece, Debbie Kelley.
The family will receive friends from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon. Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20 at the funeral home with Rev. William Chapman, Pastor of the Full Gospel Apostolic Church of Paw Paw, officiating. Burial will be in Prairie River Cemetery in Centreville. Memorials may be directed to the family. Online register is available at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com.
