Bobby C. Kelly

Kelly, Bobby C., age 87, of Centerville, OH, formerly of Columbus, OH, passed away on Thursday, February, 20, 2025. Bobby was born on January 12,1938, in Lebanon, OH, to the late Oscar Glen and Eulah Marie Kelly. He grew up in the Lebanon area and graduated from Lebanon High School. He attended The Ohio State University graduating in 1962 with a B. S. in Industrial Design. He served in the United States Air Force Reserves from 1962-1967. While at OSU he was talked into going on a blind date with the roommate of a high school friend and met the love of his life Carol Kinker. They married after graduation in 1963. 

Following their marriage Carol and Bobby moved to Lexington, KY to begin their careers and a family. Bobby started what would be a long career in the insurance industry. After a number of years in Lexington they made a brief sojourn to Jacksonville, FL and then on to Columbus, OH where he spent the remainder of his career at Nationwide Insurance. Bobby and Carol moved to Delaware, OH the last 15 years before retirement and then sought the warmer climes of Naples, FL, where they spent 15 “golden” years golfing, making great friends, and reconnecting with old ones. 

Bobby was generous with his free time. During the years of growing his family he coached multiple little league teams, always making it about fun and learning the game. Everyone went for ice cream at the local DQ regardless of winning or losing. His reward; neighborhood kids coming to the door asking if Mr. Kelly could come out to play (not his son or daughter) and finally winning the little league state competition for football his very last season coaching. He was active at Ascension Lutheran Church in Columbus for many years, serving on the council, in the choir, and ushering. And through rain, shine, snow, and blustery winds went faithfully to every home game of Ohio State football he could possibly attend. He loved his Buckeyes! 

Retiring to Florida, he took up golf for the first time and worked at the course near to their home for free tee times. He rekindled his passion for art and design and painted some lovely scenes and contemporary pieces, which he had not done since college. He served as president on two condo associations in FL where they lived and was active in their local church. 

Above all Bobby loved his family, so he and Carol decided to brave the cold and snow and return north to Ohio to be with their children, grandchildren, and extended family in the later years of life. Bobby was well respected in every community in which he was a part. He was a friend of Bill W. For 37 years. He was a devoted Husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many. Known as Bobby to friends and family he was affectionately called “GrandBob” by his grandsons. He could be found in recent years with good book in hand, enjoying a “Sixers” lunch with his high school friends, or feeding his birds and Frank the squirrel since returning to Ohio. Well known at gatherings for his energy and skill at grilling he took great pride in preparing his signature “big meat”. With a quick wit and impeccable timing, he always knew how to bring laughter into a room. 

Bobby is survived by his great love Carol Jean; daughter and son-in-law Dawn and Stacy Scott; son, Matthew; grandsons Micah and Benjamin; his brother Gary Kelly and his wife Marilyn; and many nieces, nephews, and two sisters-in-law.

Service will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 11:00am at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 6430 Far Hills Ave, Dayton, OH 45459. Reception following at church. Private family inurment at Miami Valley Memory Gardens.