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- Commercial Appeal, The (Memphis, TN, USA) - February 16, 2011
Deceased Name: JAMES THOMAS KELSEY
91, of Collierville, died February 13, 2011. He was born in Collierville on February 17, 1919, to parents, Mattie Jim McDonald Kelsey and Hardin Franklin Kelsey. He attended Collierville High School and graduated in 1936 after serving as Class President and Captain of the football and basketball teams. He was one of the first athletes from Collierville to receive a scholarship to play football in college, but was never able to fulfill his dream of playing college athletics because of a nearly fatal automobile accident that left him in a coma for nearly a month in 1936. Nevertheless, he had a lifelong love of sports and pursued his interest by refereeing high school football, and following the athletic accomplishments of his sons and grandsons. He was among the fifth generation of his family to live in Collierville (which has now expanded to eight generations), and he was deeply involved in the community through a number of associations including the Rotary Club, the Collierville Volunteer Fire Department, and Mason Lodge no. 152, F&AM. He was involved in several family businesses including Kelsey Chevrolet and Kelsey Bros. store, and served as president of the Collierville Chamber of Commerce. Later he made a living as a realtor and land developer. He was a lifelong member of the Collierville Methodist Church, and prior to his passing, was its oldest living male member. He served the church throughout his life as a Methodist Youth counselor and a teacher for the men's Bible study, among many of the roles. He married his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth Carrington Kelsey, who survives him. They enjoyed 71 years of marriage. He is also survived by his sons, William M. Kelsey (wife, Judy), Robert C. Kelsey (wife, Kay), daughter-in-law, Rachel Kelsey, widow of the late James Kelsey, Jr., his sister, Virginia Kelsey Carrington, six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Hardin Franklin Kelsey, Jr. and Dr. Richard Forrest Kelsey. The family will receive friends at Collierville Funeral Home from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 16. Funeral services will be at the Methodist Sanctuary on the Square in Collierville at 10 a.m. Thursday, February 17. Interment will be in Magnolia Cemetery in Collierville. The family requests that memorials be sent to the Methodist Sanctuary on the Square Restoration Fund. Online condolences may be posted at www.colliervillefuneral.com.
Collierville Funeral Home (901)853-2628
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Commercial Appeal, The (Memphis, TN, USA)
Date: February 16, 2011
Edition: Final
Page: B6
Record Number: 135716A9B76FFC70
Copyright (c) 2011 The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, TN, USA [2]
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1919 - 2011 (91 years)
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