George Andrew Kelley, Sr., 82, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025, with his beloved wife, Rita, by his side. Born in Atchison, Kansas, to Mary Cluke and Guy Kelley, Sr., George was a man of faith, family, and service.
He attended Lincoln School and graduated from Atchison High School before continuing his education at Highland Community College, where he was a talented multi-sport athlete, excelling in basketball, football, and track. His athletic journey continued at St. Benedict College, where he played basketball prior to his military service.
On March 2, 1965, George was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served honorably as a radio operator until his discharge on June 30, 1967. His time in the military took him across Germany, where he played semi-professional basketball. He continued his service in the Army Reserves until 1970.
On February 21, 1970, George married the love of his life, Rita Irene Boldridge, at Campbell Chapel A.M.E. Church. Together, they built a life filled with love, music, and adventure.
George’s career path led him to work at LFM while serving in the Army Reserves. In 1971, he transitioned to Pillsbury, where he worked until 1987, before spending 17 years at MGP Ingredients, retiring on June 30, 2004.
A gifted musician, George loved singing and playing the guitar with his family, especially alongside his brother, Dude Kelley. He wrote and arranged many family songs, filling their home with music and joy. He and Rita shared a love for horses, participating in horse shows and parades with the Boldridge Family Riders. A self-proclaimed "city boy with a country heart," he enjoyed camping, fishing, and trading with local traders, particularly relishing his part-time work at the Salvation Army, where he had first dibs on the best bargains.
George’s hands were never idle—he built everything from trailers and go-karts to sheds and clubhouses. His vivid storytelling captivated those around him, often illustrating his tales with hand-drawn pictures. A man of deep faith, he was a dedicated member of Shiloh Baptist Church, serving as a choir member, Sunday School teacher, and superintendent of Sunday School.
Above all, George cherished his family, especially his grandchildren, whom he adored.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Rita Kelley of Atchison, KS; his children, George A. (Charo) Kelley, Jr. of Atchison, KS, Lori A. (Allie) Kelley of Atchison, KS, and Danelle G. (Timothy) Wolfe of Tulsa, OK; his brother, Otha H. "Dude" (Anna) Kelley of Atchison, KS; his sister, Viola V. (Oddis) Lewis of Detroit, MI; six beloved grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by five brothers: Guy (Wynona) Kelley, Jr., James (Loretta) Kelley, Marion (Cheryl) Kelley, William Kelley, and Michael McNair; and four sisters: Sylvia (Frank) Busey, Ethel (Clifford) Downing, Loretta (Richard) Downing, and Eleanor (Elmo) Garlington.
George’s legacy of faith, love, music, and storytelling will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. His was a life well-lived, and he will be deeply missed.
Services will be Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. at Shiloh Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Kelley officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Vernon Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from Noon until time of services at Shiloh Baptist Church.
