A Life Well Lived
Broughton R. Kelly, Sr.
November 5, 1935 – July 17, 2026

Some people are remembered for what they accomplished. Broughton R. Kelly, Sr. will be remembered just as much for the way he lived—with integrity, humility, kindness, and an unwavering devotion to his family. His was a life defined not by circumstance, but by character.

Broughton R. Kelly, Sr., age 90, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on November 5, 1935, in Jacksonville, Florida, he grew up in Savannah, Georgia, the city that always held a special place in his heart and where he and his beloved wife would spend more than twenty years enjoying retirement.

Broughton shared nearly 66 wonderful years of marriage with the love of his life, Josephine Rourke Kelly. Their marriage was built on unwavering love, friendship, faith, and partnership. Together they created a home filled with laughter, encouragement, and unconditional love. They were truly best friends.

He is survived by his loving wife, Josephine; his children, Broughton "Chip" Kelly, Jr. (Jana), Josephine “Jody” Kelly, and John R. Kelly (Heather); his cherished grandchildren, Erin Merlie (John), John Kelly (Natalie), Ansley Webb (Zach), Caleigh Rutherford (Kyle), Rourke Kelly, Broughton Kelly, and Katherine Kelly; and his treasured great-grandchildren, Ella Merlie and Samuel Rutherford. Broughton is also survived by  many nieces and nephews.

Broughton was proceeded in death by his parents, George and Ruth Kelly. Sisters Mildred Kelly Edenfield, Mary Kelly Campbell and her husband Michael; Gloria Kelly Skarr and her husband Lloyd; and Georgianna Kelly Stright.

Growing up in a loving family with limited financial resources, Broughton learned early that determination, honesty, and hard work could overcome almost any obstacle. At just ten years old, he began his first job cleaning windshields at a neighborhood filling station. That work ethic never left him. Broughton never viewed humble beginnings as a disadvantage. He viewed them as preparation.

Those values carried him through Georgia Tech, where he graduated in 1960 with a degree in Industrial Management after completing the cooperative education program. He worked co-op assignments while also holding part-time jobs, paying his own tuition and living expenses every step of the way. As he prepared to marry Josie, money was so tight that his future father-in-law bought the suit he wore to the rehearsal dinner.  That suit ended up being an excellent investment.  It was a humble beginning for a young couple who would go on to build an extraordinary life together.

While at Georgia Tech, Broughton was a proud member of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity and later served four years in the National Guard at Hunter Air Force Base in Savannah.

Broughton devoted more than forty years to the paper industry, building a distinguished career primarily in labor relations before retiring from Riverwood Packaging in 2003. Those who worked with Broughton knew that his greatest strength wasn't simply negotiating contracts—it was understanding people. He believed everyone deserved to be heard and treated with dignity. His calm demeanor, fairness, and integrity earned the trust of those around him.

After retiring, Broughton and Josie returned home to Savannah. He was a faithful member of St. James Catholic Church and remained deeply connected to his roots through his Savannah high school alumni association, where he had served as class president.

Family vacations to Savannah and Florida became treasured traditions. The station wagon was always packed with three children, his mother-in-law, luggage, beach gear, and a full roof-top carrier. The "way back," complete with its green shag carpet, became the kids' sleeping quarters as the miles rolled by. To help pass the time, Dad would slide another 8-track into the player (that he installed in the station wagon himself) and much to our youthful dismay, treat us to Henry Mancini, Neil Diamond, and John Denver. At the time we were convinced he was torturing us with his music. Years later, those very artists and songs became family favorites, instantly bringing smiles, laughter, and cherished memories of those long drives together. Today, hearing one of those familiar songs takes us right back to those treasured family vacations.

Broughton believed that life's greatest moments were often the simplest. Whether he was playing golf with friends or spending an afternoon in the driveway with his children, he was fully present. His signature basketball hook shot became legendary among the Kelly kids. He always seemed to find a way to make that shot.

His love for friendly competition began in high school in Savannah, where he competed in the City Handball Championship finals for his age group. Whether on the handball court, the golf course, or later dancing at weddings and family celebrations, he brought the same enthusiasm, grace, and joy that became hallmarks of his life.

Around the house, there seemed to be very little Broughton couldn't build or fix. Whether tackling a home improvement project, repairing something that was broken, or figuring out how to make something work better, he approached every task with patience, craftsmanship, and confidence. His family knew that if he said he could build it, he would—and it would be done right.

To those who knew him best, Broughton will be remembered not only for his accomplishments, but for his character. He never met a stranger. He always had a kind word to offer, treated every person with respect, and quietly led by example.

One of the greatest blessings for his family was being together during his final moments. His devoted wife, children, their spouses, and several of his grandchildren surrounded him with love as he peacefully drew his last breath and entered his eternal home.

The measure of a life is not found in titles, possessions, or accomplishments, but in the lives touched along the way. By that measure, Broughton Kelly lived an extraordinary life.

The greatest inheritance Broughton left us was the example of a life lived with integrity, humility, hard work, and unconditional love. He showed us that hard work creates opportunity, integrity earns respect, kindness leaves a lasting impression, and love is life's greatest blessing.

We will miss his smile, his steady presence, his quiet wisdom, and those smooth dance steps that brought joy to every celebration. Most of all, we are grateful that he was ours. His was truly a life well lived, a man well loved, and a legacy that will continue to guide our family for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to St. James Catholic Church, 8412 Whitefield Ave, Savannah, GA 31406.