Kenneth Gay Kelley, 89, of Frost, passed away with his family by his side at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital Thursday, January 23, 2025.
Born April 16, 1935, in Frost, he was a son of the late Tharp Gay and Brownie Kathleen Bussard Kelley.
Kenneth graduated from Marlinton High School in 1953, receiving the Future Farmers of America recognition of State Farmer. After graduation he worked in Ohio before being drafted into the United States Army where he served during the Korean Conflict. Once discharged, he returned home and married his wife, Wanda, and they began their family and expanded the family farm, Kelley Farms, operating a commercial beef and sheep operation. In 1969, the family was awarded the Farming for Better Living award and, in 1979, was recognized for cooperation with The Allegheny Highlands Project by West Virginia University College of Agriculture and Forestry. In 1980, they were awarded West Virginia Outstanding Sheep Producer and Second Runner-up Outstanding Farm Family. In 1999, the farm was recognized with the Pocahontas County Outstanding Conservation Farm award. He loved farming and continued for de-cades until 2017 when he retired. Next to farming, he enjoyed operating heavy equipment and he worked on several projects including the Bath County Pump Storage Station as a General Forman. He also built or was consulted on the building of several private bridges in the county.
Kenneth was a member of the Frost Methodist Church which he helped build and a Charter member of the Frost Volunteer Fire Department where he served as president for a number of years. He was also a member of and served on numerous boards including the Farm Bureau, Southern States Cooperative, Pocahontas County Soil Conservation, Knapps Creek Watershed Association, Pocahontas Producers, Greenbrier Valley Soil Conservation, and numerous others.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 40 years, Wanda Sue Gibson Kelley; daughter, Susan Elaine Kelley Faulknier; and sister, Sharon Faye Kelley Stephens.
He is survived by daughter, Jane Kelley McMullen (Mike), of Frost; grandchildren, Lucas William Faulknier (Erica), and Matthew Kelley Faulknier, all of Marlinton, Mikayla Kelley McMullen, of Roanoke, Virginia, and Mikenzi Karleigh McMullen, of Frost; three great grandchildren, Elle Elaine Faulknier, Ridge Lucas Faulknier and Jack Walker Faulknier; his loving companion since 2007, Joyce McLaughlin; several cousins, nieces and nephews; and his beloved cat, Tigger.
Funeral service was held Sunday January 26, 2025, at the Frost Methodist Church with Pastor Julian Rittenhouse officiating. Burial was in Mountain View Cemetery with Military Graveside Rites by the Pocahontas County Veterans Honor Corps along with the First Responder final call.
Pallbearers were Lucas Faulknier, Matthew Faulknier, Dillon Shinaberry, Allen Green, Dave Taylor and Mike Smith. Honorary Pallbearers included Clark Buzzard, Dewey McCarty, Lanty McCarty and Steve Moore.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Frost Volunteer Fire Department, 217 Pocahontas Highway, Marlinton, WV 24954 or Steven E. Wooddell Community (Frost) Care Fund, c/o First Citizens Bank, 201 – 8th Street, Marlinton, WV 24954.
