“Cool Ray” Albert Ray Kelley Jr. left this earth to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on Tuesday, Dec 7, 2021 at the age of 69.
Cool Ray was a beloved friend of the many people with whom he worked during his long career at Arkla Gas, and Centerpoint Entergy. He was known for his welding expertise, jovial spirit, and generosity. In his life, he loved to fish, hunt frogs, ducks, and other game. Beyond his love of family and outdoor sport, Cool Ray was a member of several Masonic lodges throughout the Central Arkansas area including Crescent Lodge #403, Jackson Lodge #191, Sugarloaf Lodge #414, and he was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Bradford Chapter #482. Cool Ray was a member of the Scimitar Shrine where he donated his time as “Cool the Clown” on multiple occasions. Cool Ray’s sense of humor and generosity will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents Albert Ray Kelley Sr. and Zelma Kelley along with two brothers Patrick Owen Kelley and Elton Eugene Kelley.
Cool Ray is survived by his wife of forty-one years, Betty Carole Kelley; six children – JoAnn Pierce (Robert), Alisa Wells (Curtis), Samuel John Kelley (Danielle), Patrick Kelley (Deana), Kelli Coleman (Kelsey), and Heather Kelley Sparks (John); 19 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; as well as two sisters – Diane Bauer and Louise Brooks, two brothers – Charles Kelley and Arthur Kelley, and several nephews and nieces.
Funeral services will be held Monday, Dec 13, 2021, at A Natural State Funeral Services in Jacksonville, Arkansas with a masonic funeral officiated by TJ Henwood. Visitation will begin at 9:00am with the service to follow at 10:00am. He will be interred at Bethlehem Cemetery in Joan, Arkansas immediately afterward. Pallbearers will include his long time Arkla friends Darrell Williams (Big Nasty), Jim Brush, Greg Hickey, Lonnie Lakey, John Robinson, and Billy Hamilton. Honorary Pallbearers will include Timothy Cummings, Cody Cummings, Davion Dunn, Eli Kelley, and John Sparks III (Trae).
Love offerings and donations can be made at any Centennial Bank location to Patrick or John Kelley for the Albert Ray Kelley Jr. Memorial Fund.
Arrangements entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400.
21 Comments
Cool Ray was a good friend and will be missed.
Worked with Cool Ray at ARKLA Gas! Good perdom
Thanks for wonderful memories and your friendship. I’ll always laugh when I hear the word “rabbit”. R.I.P. til we see you again.
So sorry for your loss
Praying for you and your family
🙏🙏
God hold and keep you Cool Ray
Ray was a great man RIP COOL RAY
Cool Ray will be missed by so many at CenterPoint~ Rita Medlock
I’ll always remember you fondly anytime i hear the word “rabbit”. Condolences & Prayers. Blessings to all.
I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my prayers, especially my precious Granddaughter-in-Love Bri McMillen. May God bless all of you.❤️
I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my prayers, especially my precious Granddaughter-in-Love Bri McMillen. May God bless all of you.🙏🙏❤️
I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my prayers, especially my precious Granddaughter-in-love Bri McMillen. Blessings to all.
You will be missed you were like family to me and my father and grandpa.
Cool Ray was a master storyteller, and I will always remember his story that culminated with “Say hamburger…!!!” Thanks for the memories and enduring friendship. Condolences and prayers for all his family and friends.
Ray you missed be by family and friends. If memory is correct the first time we met was in Boy Scouts and reconnected later on you working for Arkla and me as a Plumber.
Albert was a very sweet friend. We attended high school together, Prayers for you Family 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Remembering a GREAT Masonic Brother and friend. You will be greatly missed and may everyone’s special memories sustain them at this time.
With Deepest Sympathy,
So sorry
COOL RAY WILL TRULY BE MISSED BY HIS CENTERPOINT ENERGY FAMMILY. GET YOUR REST
I’m so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
You will be missed my friend. Thanks for the memories. Rest In Peace.
He was my brother by another mother. Farewell my friend.
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