David George Kelley

David (Dave) George Kelley, 78, of Roswell, is now walking alongside his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Dave became a Christian on January 9, 2025. He was filled with love for Jesus and enjoyed reading his Bible and praying daily. Dave loved to dance so much that we expect he is joyously dancing Heaven's streets of gold, right now, in worship. His life was well lived, and he was deeply loved by many.

For more than 27 years, Dave was the steadfast partner and best friend of his wife, Carla. Dave and Carla met when he responded to a personal ad Carla had placed on Match.com in 1999. He wooed Carla with poetry and his command of the written word. Their love grew quickly and they married seven months later.

Dave was a man of quiet strength. His love for detail led him to a career as a CPA. His love of stamp collecting spanned 66 years of his life. Dave loved many genres of music, particularly trance. Dave had a curious intellect, a wonderful sense of humor and he was a storyteller whose tales could put a smile on the face of those who listened. His favorite foods were Mexican and sweets with chocolate being at the top of the list. His sense of adventure took him on many trips which included hiking Machu Picchu when he turned 70. He taught his children the importance of honesty, hard work, and compassion.

Dave proudly served his country for four years in the United States Navy and carried that sense of duty and commitment into every chapter of his life.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, George and Ruth Kelley, and his brother, Steve Kelley. He is survived by his wife, Carla; his four children, Bryan Kelley (Jennifer), Beth Mote (Brandon), Jessica Keeler, and Brandon Keeler (Cassie); and his nine grandchildren, Cooper Kelley, Gillian Kelley, Katie Mote, Everett Kelley, Jaxson Keeler, Adison Keeler, Eastlynn Keeler, Holdyn Keeler, and Aspen Keeler. He is also survived by his sisters, Rebecca Brown (Bill), Janet Kelley (Joseph), Jean West, Laura Ousley (Ted), and Renee Kelley; his ex-wife Cathy Kelley, numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews; and Charlie the cat.

The final years of Dave's life brought great challenges as dementia tightened its grip. Through it all, he remained surrounded by the love of God, his friends, his family, and Carla. Whenever he opened his eyes, he was greeted by Carla's smiling face. Carla was able to care for Dave in their home throughout this challenging time. She says that God’s mercy made it possible along with the help of their friend Rick LaRose. The hymns "Amazing Grace" and "It Is Well with My Soul" remained his favorites until the end.

Dave and Carla want others to know that God is real and that He loves each of us so deeply that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins. They invite you to experience God's wondrous love. How to do that: 1) Admit your need: "I am a sinner." 2) Be willing to turn from your sins and repent. 3) Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave. 4)Pray a prayer such as this:

Dear God, I know that I am a sinner. I want to turn from my sins, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe He died for my sins and that You raised Him to life. I ask Him to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want to trust Jesus as my Savior and follow Him as my Lord from this day forward. In Jesus' name, amen.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 26, 2026, 1:00-4:00 p.m., open house style, casual attire, at the home of Bryan and Jennifer Kelley, 1782 Piper Circle, Atlanta, GA 30316. We hope you will share some of your memories of Dave with us.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org.

David George Kelley

1947 – August 27, 2026