Willie K. Kelly Jr., Minister, Navy Veteran, Community Servant Remembered
(By: Carol Kelly Dilworth) — A few months ago, I wrote an article about my stepfather, Deacon Willie K. Kelly, Sr., as he was known by members of the San Antonio community.
I spoke of the tremendous positive impact he made on my life. But there was another gift that came with him, and that was the birth of my little brother, Willie K. Kelly, Jr. I had always prayed for a little brother, but when my Mom and I said our nightly prayers, she told me to stop praying for a brother. She was having enough trouble raising me along with the problems she was having in the marriage with my father. My prayers however, did not stop, they just were forwarded to heaven silently.
My prayers were answered when my brother Billy arrived when I was 14 years old, and my mother had the distinct honor of becoming a mother for the second time at the age of 41! Since my step-father was 30 years her senior, my little brother was, what many in our church congregation and others in the community called, a “miracle baby.”
Willie K. Kelly, Jr. was born February 25, 1960 to the union of the late Deacon Willie K. and Henrietta Kelly in San Antonio, Texas. He joined the New Light Baptist Church at an early age. Much of his life revolved around New Light where his father was a Deacon and was also the Sexton of our Church. Since the family lived next door to New Light, Billy spent as much of his young life there with his Father as he did at home. His Father, Deacon Kelly, also retired from Missouri Pacific Railroad after 60 years of service. From his parents, he received a strong work ethic and, above all, a dedication to the cause of Christ.
Billy attended Cuney Elementary, Douglas Middle School, and graduated from St. Gerard Catholic High School.
He later attended St. Philip’s College, where his aunt, Virginia Mannie Tatum, was a Full Professor. During his service in the United States Navy, Billy fell prey to addiction and after his recovery, devoted his life to helping others overcome their addictions.
He professed the Ministry under the late Rev. J.S. Smith at New Light in San Antonio, Texas and continued his studies at Guadalupe College, where he attained his Ministerial Certification, majoring in Theology and Behavioral Modification.
Rev. Kelly also organized and supervised a 12 Step Program at the New Light Baptist Church Resource Center for several years until he moved to Sacramento, California.
After relocating to California, he continued his dedication to those affected by addiction and in need of behavioral modification. He also served as President of the Rotary Club, and attended their international conventions in London, England and Canada.
Rev. Kelly was a member of Journey Ministries Church in Sacramento where he served as an Associate Minister and conducted Bible Studies. He also remained devoted to his Prison Ministry.
Rev. Kelly was also Owner and Operator of Willie’s Postal Services. He had a lifetime commitment to helping others in dire situations, and provided a beacon of hope for those in emotional and spiritual distress, as well, resulting from addiction.
He is survived by his devoted wife Kathy, stepson Dominique Kelly, two grandsons, sister Carol Kelly Dilworth, aunt Virginia Mannie Tatum, nephew, nieces, cousins, and many, many friends.
