Freddie Lee

Kelly

Freddie Lee Kelly, aged 92, of Burgaw, NC, departed this life peacefully on November 5, 2026,

at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice and Life Care Center in Wilmington, NC.

Freddie was a proud graduate of Lincoln High School in Leland, North Carolina. He later served

his country in the United States Army, receiving an honorable discharge upon completion of his

military service.

Following his military service, Freddie was employed as a custodian with Peoples Savings and

Loan in Wilmington, North Carolina, where he faithfully served until his retirement.

A devoted member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church for more than 60 years, Freddie

dedicated much of his life to serving God and his church family. Throughout the years, he served

in numerous capacities, including school board chairman, deacon, head elder, bus driver, and

Sabbath School teacher. He also enjoyed teaching Bible studies and sharing his faith with others.

One of his special joys was visiting the sick and shut-in, offering encouragement, fellowship, and

spiritual support.

Beyond his many years of service, Freddie enjoyed singing, collecting coins, photography, and

cooking. He enjoyed playing games such as Connect Four and Checkers and would taunt his

opponent by saying “Study long, study wrong.” He also enjoyed taking walks for exercise and

loved having a good laugh and sharing moments of joy with those around him.

Freddie was preceded in death by his parents, ten of his eleven siblings, and his granddaughter,

Rosalyn Smith.

He leaves to cherish his memory his former wife, Emma Kelly; four daughters, Rosa Kelly

Smith, Cynthia Kelly Jones (Donray), Kimberley Kelly Morton-Berry, and Emma Kelly

Washington; nine grandchildren, Desirae, Ceandra, Terrence, Sr., Jeremy, Kelly, Zenobia,

Jonathan, Noah, and Mikayla; three great-grandchildren, Adjatay, Jackson, and Malachai; his

youngest sister, Fannie Wilson; his brother-in-law John Thomas; special nephews, Richard

Melvin and David Kelly; a special friend, Prince Powell; and a host of other nieces, nephews,

relatives, and friends.

His love for God, commitment to serving others, and the memories he created with those he

loved will remain in the hearts of all who knew him. Though his passing brings sorrow to those

who loved him, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ, who is the

resurrection and the life.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 12 noon on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at

Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1002 Castle Street, Wilmington, NC 28401.