Rev. Donel Todd Kelley, 94, of Greer, South Carolina, passed away May 15, 2026.
A native of Rural Hill, North Carolina, son of the late Beaman and Leona Mae Todd Kelley, he was a US Army veteran, completed three years in seminary earning a Master of Theology Degree, received a degree from North Carolina State University, a retired Southern Baptist minister, served as pastor of Abner Creek Baptist Church, as well as other churches, and was a member of Washington Baptist Church. Rev. Kelley was a member of the Kiwanis, Ruritan Club and the Lions Club. His first wife was the late Caroline Garrett Kelley.
Surviving are his wife, Ruth Emory Lister Kelley of the home; one daughter, Marilyn Amick (Mark) of Ninety-Six, South Carolina; two sons, David Kelley (Lynn) of Willow Springs, North Carolina and Paul Kelley (Michelle) of Union, South Carolina; one stepson, Chuck Lister (Deborah) of Greer, South Carolina; one stepdaughter, Holly Yager (Doyle) of Rock Hill, South Carolina; one sister, Nan Wheeler (Bob) of Lillington, North Carolina; seven grandchildren, Kelley Candler (Brandon), Alan Amick, Anna Kelley, Jonathan Kelley, Jane Kelley, Cal Kelley, and Luke Kelley; one step-granddaughter, Brooklyn Yager; and two great-grandchildren, Hadlee Candler and Claire Candler.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. May 18 at Washington Baptist Church, conducted by Rev. Trent Henson and Dr. Drew Hines. Burial will follow in Abner Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Alan Amick, Jonathan Kelley, Cal Kelley, Luke Kelley, Brandon Candler and Mark Amick.
Honorary Escort will be the Joint Heirs Sunday School Class of Washington Baptist Church.
Visitation will be held from noon to 1:45 p.m. May 18 at Washington Baptist Church prior to the service.
The family is at the home.
Memorials may be made to Washington Baptist Church, 3500 N Highway 14, Greer, SC 29651 or Greer Community Ministries, PO Box 1373, Greer, SC 29652.
Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com.
