John "JB" Kelley

J.B . Kelley, (John Beura) age, 91 of Crossett, AR passed away on Friday, May 14, 2021.   He was born on March 28, 1930 to his parents,  Irvin and Ramouth Petit Kelley from Kosiusko, Mississippi.  Mr. Kelley was named after his maternal grandfather, Nathan Beaugard Pettit.  Mr. Kelley was a member of South Crossett Missionary Baptist Church for 58 years where he taught Sunday School and served as a deacon. He served in the United States Army during the Korean  War and was a  32* Master Mason and member of Crossett Lodge #576 F & A.M.  He served in many offices of the Lodge including Master of the Lodge.

 He enjoyed going to the Grand Lodge in Little Rock and the high point of his Masonic career was having the privilege to work in the degree work there. He loved baseball and during high school he was a pitcher and switch hitter.  He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, turkey hunting and raising cows. 

Mr. Kelley is preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 63 years, Doris Craig Kelley, two brothers Rev. Dewitt Kelley, Edward Kelley (who was wounded during the D-Day Invasion);  four sisters;  Pearl Pippen, Ludy Gambill,  Inez Mills, and Eddie Lee Hendrix; a grandson, Ethan Brantley, a granddaughter Amanda Paige Kelley  and son-in-law Jimmy Baker.

He is survived by two sons, Phillip Kelley and wife Joyce, Greg Kelley and wife Amanda, three daughters, Rickie Baker, Pattie Greene and husband Mike, Barbie Brantley and husband Tony; Sister-in-law Elizabeth Kelley, sister Janice Sivils, six grandchildren Lane Kelley, Paul Greene, Corey Baker, Emily Brantley Johnson, Trent Kelley, Evan Kelley; two great-grandsons, Paytin and Kaine Greene; one great-granddaughter, Katelynn Noel Kelley, along with many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Graveside services are 4:00pm on Sunday, May 16, 2021 at Crossroads Cemetery under the direction of Jones Funeral Home, Inc. with Bro. Joey Meredith officiating.  Pallbearers are Lane Kelley, Paul Greene, Corey Baker, Trent Kelley, Evan Kelley and Cole Johnson.

A time of visitation will follow the service at the cemetery.

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