Willie “Billy” Eugene Kelly, Jr.

**UPDATED SERVICE TIMES**

Willie “Billy” Eugene Kelly, Jr., 79, passed into the arms of Jesus on November 14, 2023, at his home in Denham Springsafter complications from a stroke in December 2022.  

Billy was born in Baton Rouge, LA, to Bill and Elene (Garrison) Kelly.  He accepted Jesus as his savior in his youth. He was a graduate of Denham Springs High School and attended Louisiana State University.  Billy began a career as a truck owner/operator and later became a founding member of Rebel Sand & Gravel, where he proved to be a hard worker and an intuitive businessman.  Billy loved all things mechanical and woodworking. In 1979 his passion became building modified tractors and participating in tractor pulls – owning and building four different tractors all known as The DS Express.  He competed in 10 different states from South Carolina to New Mexico and was the state champion in Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi.  

Billy never met a stranger.  He was loved and will be missed by his wife of nearly 25 years, Lisa Martin Kelly; his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters and many other family members as well as many life-long friends.

Visitation will be Friday, November 17, 2023, from 11:00 a.m.to 1:00 p.m., followed by funeral services at 1:00 p.m., with interment immediately following, all at Seale Funeral Home in Denham Springs. Services will be conducted by Bro. Gerald Martin and Colin McClendon.

Pallbearers:  Dwight Falcon, Jonathan Fletcher, Scott McGrew, Jon Roth, Lewis Sibley and Chris Simmons.

Honorary pallbearers: Wayne Jordan, Ricky Leggette, Murray Morgan and Royce Spence.

Special thanks to Sundi, Leona, and Shelley of PinnacleHospice.  In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital() or Wounded Warrior Project().