Jackie Matthew Kelly, Sr. was born on September 20, 1943 in Miley, South Carolina. He was the third child born to the late Mrs. Mamie Lou Black Kelly and James Otis Kelly. On Thursday, September 29, 2016 he was peacefully called home to be with the Lord.

During his early years the family moved from Miley, SC and settled in Walterboro, SC where many family members remain today. Jackie attended Walterboro public schools graduating from Colleton High School in 1962. As a young man Jackie attended Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church with his family, and later as a high school student began to work for Hamilton's Funeral Home. Jackie would continue his work for two years beyond high school until he moved north to Connecticut in 1964, where he would spend the next fifty-two
 Years, in Norwalk, CT.

Jackie married his wife, Mary Louise Mungin on February 27, 1967. This union is blessed with three children: Andrea, Jacquelyn and Jackie, Jr. Jackie spent the majority of his professional career between two organizations. First as a machinist for the Ferro Corporation, a global manufacturer of industrial materials and secondly, as a custodian for Norwalk Public Schools in which he retired after completing twenty plus years of service.

Jackie was always active. In his early years, he could easily be seen washing and waxing his car and doing his own oil changes. He enjoyed playing a variety of sports including softball, golf and fishing. He often went to the driving range very early on Saturday mornings allowing his two youngest children to tag along. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and in the early 80's, could often be found at the local roller rink taking his children, nieces and nephews out for Friday night skating and pizza. On any holiday or summer weekend, there would always be a lively backyard cookout in progress or a house full of people gathered all in the name of fun, with music playing, and laughter flowing.

Jackie is survived by his three children, Andrea Kelly-Wilson (Deon), Jacquelyn Aarons (Rohan) and Jackie Kelly, Jr. (Dr. Kathryn); five grandchildren: Azjha Thomas, Dyamond McDonald Smith, Jackson Kelly, Caleb Aarons and Reagan Kelly, three siblings all of Walterboro, SC, Woodrow Kelly, Deloris Parks and Hattie Bush. In addition, Jackie has a host of nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and nephews that are very near and dear to his heart, he loved his role as beloved "Uncle Jack"

Jackie's siblings, three brothers, Robert, Theodore and James (Lin) Kelly and his sister, Wilma Manigo are now rejoined with him in heaven.