Mr. Tommy L. Kelly

Tommy “TK” Kelly was born January 5, 1957, in St. Louis, Missouri to the union of the late AB Kelly, Sr. and Mattie B. Kelly.  He was the 10th child of 13 children.

In his early age, he was educated in the parochial school system, attending De Andreis High School and later graduating from Northwest High School. He received his associate degree in criminal justice in 1979 from Forest Park Community College where he was also the captain of the college baseball team.

He was baptized at Lively Stone Church of God, and later followed the teachings of Elijah Muhammad.

TK started his career as a security guard at Vaughan Housing Projects and continued to excel as an armed security officer for the Federal Government. During his post at Defense Contract Administration, he met his “sunshine,” Tonya D. Clark. They united in matrimony March 1, 1986, and from their union, three outstanding boys were born.

Tommy never met a stranger and was always concerned about the less fortunate. His greatest desire was to set up a family fund for those in need. He loved his family dearly and unconditionally. His parent’s love and trust were special to him, and he cherished the uniqueness of each sibling. He had numerous tales of babysitting his nieces and nephews when they were young. His cousin, Alvin Miller was like a brother to him and his partner in crime.

Tommy was an avid sports fan and was especially fond of baseball, basketball, hockey, and football. For many years, he enjoyed coaching his sons’ little league teams, and numerous others for Matthew Dickey's Boys Club. When he wasn’t coaching, he could be found at the gym with his boys. He played fast pitch softball until he became ill.

He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Charles D. Kelly and Ivory O. Kelly.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife of 37 years, Tonya D. Kelly; three sons, Chad (LaToya) Kelly, Taj Kelly, and Michael Kelly; siblings Dorothy J. Ervin, AB (Joyce) Kelly, Jr., Evelyn A. Wilson, Mattie B. Greathouse, George Kelly, Vera L. Kelly, Frederick C. Kelly, Carolyn (Reginald) Kelly-Black, Steve Kelly, and Mary “Chris” (Benzack) Cooper; one grandchild, Calvin C. Kelly; a special cousin, Alvin Miller; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

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