James (Preston) Kelley
A much loved husband, father, grandfather, son and brother, James (Preston) Kelley, 78, of Pittsburg, Texas, passed away peacefully at the home of his stepson in Lubbock, Tx on September 16th, 2022 with his family present. He had bravely confronted and fought cancer.
Preston entered this world on October 21st, 1943 into the loving arms of James Monroe and Elma Kelley in Lake Providence, Louisiana, and was one of 12 children. He resided in Pittsburg, Texas for the past 35+ years. He had previously resided in Andrews and Seminole, Tx for many years before that.
Preston worked in the oil fields of west Texas for most of his adult life and before his retirement he was an over the road truck driver, traveling the contiguous U.S. 48 states.
Preston’s love of fishing is what prompted their move to east Texas, as he was an avid fisherman. He was not one to sit still and was always seen out and about mowing lawns.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Sandra Elaine Saunders Kelley of Pittsburg; daughters Carrie Leanoria Stanton (Kenneth Joe - KJ) of Odessa, Tx, Connie Sue Robinson of Ben Wheeler, Tx, Denise McDonald (Quen) of Ben Wheeler, Tx. Stepdaughters Rose Craney (Lester) of Casper, Wy, Donna Latta (Craig) of Odessa, Tx , Suzanne Mayo (Lee Ramirez) of Odessa and step son Wayne Mayo (Beth) of Lubbock, Tx. 23 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren. Brothers Vernon Linzey Kelley (Vivian) of Pittsburg, Tx, Billy Don Kelley of Pittsburg, Tx and William Evans Kelley (Carol) of Pittsburg, Tx. Sisters Ruby Jean Fox of Lafayette, La, Carolyn Sue Danysh of Pittsburg, Tx and Angela Delores Landrum (Eddie) of Pittsburg, Tx plus many nieces and nephews He was preceded in death by his parents, James Monroe Kelley and Elma (McBroom) Kelley, siblings Jessie Pauline Sykes, Eugenia Mae Langley, Evelyn Janette Langley, Naomi Lee Thurmon and Roger Dale Kelley plus a grandson, Wrangler Akin McDonald.
A memorial service will be held from 12:00-3:00pm Saturday, October 22nd, 2022, at 525 Elm, Pittsburg, Tx. Lunch will be served. Please bring your fondest memories to share.
“He fought a good fight, he kept the faith, he won the race!”