Celebrating the life of
Coach Doyle D. Kelley
April 29, 1947 - September 30, 2016
Longtime Savannah Christian Principal and Coach
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Doyle Devon Kelley
Doyle Devon Kelley, better known to most as “Coach” Kelley, died on September 30, 2016 due to complications related to his diagnosis of AML.
Doyle was born in Frostproof, FL on April 29, 1947 to the late Tolbart and Louise Kelley. Coach Kelley married Barbara “Bo” Humphrey, a native of Savannah, on October 3, 1970. Surviving are his wife and two children Doyle Kelley Jr (Mary) and Danielle Webb (Bill) as well as his grandchildren Joshua, Brian, Jacob, Kelley and Whitaker. He is also survived by his sister Donna Faye Dillard along with many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and brother Dale, he was preceded in death by his grandson William E. Webb II.
Coach was raised in a poor, yet hard working family. He helped support the family by working in the citrus groves after school, on weekends, and holidays. These demanding early years were the foundation that established his work ethic that carried him through his life. Only through dedication to his academics and sports was he able to rise above his family background and be the first to attend college.
He attended Brevard Junior College on a basketball scholarship for two years before attending and graduating from Armstrong Atlantic State University in 1969 where he also played baseball and basketball on scholarship. His first job was coaching at Jenkins High School in 1969. In 1973 he began his career at Savannah Christian Preparatory School where he started as head basketball coach as well as coaching football and golf and eventually athletic director. He served as principal of the high school for 14 years until his retirement in 2011. He is most known for his success in coaching, specifically 427 victories in basketball. Combined, he won 18 state championships while at Savannah Christian. Coach was a trusted mentor for the students and a reliable resource for the faculty and administration. In his 38 year teaching and coaching career, he influenced and molded thousands of young adults.
In addition to enjoyment and love of sports and mentoring young people, his greatest passion was his family. He loved his grandchildren and made each of them feel as if they were the only one that existed. His enjoyment for boating and golfing was generously shared with his family and friends. He could always be counted on to help anyone in need and was looked up to for his wisdom and guidance. Though stern and demanding on and off the field, he was loved by many for his leadership qualities and compassion. His large and warm heart was obvious to not only his students and friends, but extended to strangers in need as well.
To all that saw him with his wife Bo, it was obvious he loved her dearly and they were a perfect couple for the past 46 years of their married life.
Visitation and memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 4th at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 9:30-11:30am with memorial service following at noon. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests remembrances to Warriors for William Foundation at 21 Crestwood Drive, Savannah, GA 31405 or Savannah Christian School at 1599 Chatham Pkwy, Savannah, GA 31408.
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
Bo, so very sorry to hear that Doyle had passed. My thoughts and prayers are for you and your family at your loss.
- Cathy Deal Quattlebaum, Guyton, 31312
To the Kelley Family - I am so, so sorry for your loss. Coach Kelley was an awesomely strong positive influence for so many of us at SCP. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Maxine Coleman and Family, Atlanta, Ga
Coach was a great principal and I am greatful to have had the honor to have been a student at SC.The man was gentle, caring,and an accountable principal. He left his mark on hundreds of lives. He made a point to know our names and care about us. He simply loved. Miss Savannah 2000/ Grad class of 2000
- Beth Brinson, Savannah, GA
Coach meant a lot to the many people his life touched. I haven't seen him sine I left Savannah in '79, but I have always saw him as a mentor. Coach clearly led a full life and it is up to all of us to remember the lessons he taught us.
- Hesham D. Oubari (Class of 81), Suffolk, VA
Bo and Family, I am sorry for your loss. If there is anything that I can do please let me know.
- Buster cheney, Rincon, Ga
Coach Kelley has touched so many lives over his many years of service to Savannah Christian that words cannot describe the loss we feel here at SCPS. Our students, staff, and faculty will work hard to continue to build upon the legacy that he has left here. He may be gone but Coach Kelley will never be forgotten. RAIDERS TOGETHER...RAIDERS FOREVER!!!
- Travis Priddy, Savannah, GA
Coach Kelley was a kind person and wonderful influence on SCPS and my boys. Our condolences to the Kelley family.
- The Burke Family, Johnny, Lee, John & Michael, Savannah, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Coach Kelley's passing is a great loss for not only your family but for all the lives he touched during his many years at SCPS.
- Sherri Johnson and Barry Coppage (Class of 1980), Guyton, GA
Thoughts and prayers for Bo and Family after Coach's passing. He was a great leader and will be missed.
- Kristen Graham, Savannah, GA
Dear Bo and family, Although we had only met Doyle once we know the love he shared for his family and the school he cared so much about. May the family be comforted in memories that will bring a smile to their faces. Hoping you feel the prayers and sympathy being extended to all of you. God's loving arms will hold you up. With our deepest sympathy, Marilea and Brad Lightner (Vidan Grandparents)
- Marilea and Brad Lightner, Bluffton, SC
We are saddened by the loss of such a great man. Prayers for family.
- Michelle Cooper , Corpus Christi, TX
I'm so sad to hear about to loss of such a great man! As a born and raised Raider, I knew him very well. With his Bo as my Pre-k teacher and Coach Kelly as my principal when I was in high school I grew to respect him as a person, principal and fellow Raider. My prayers and thoughts are with the Kelly family as they go through this hard time. Mr. Kelly was a wonderful man and an amazing coach and teacher. I'm so sorry for your loss. He touched so many lives through his lifetime at Savannah Christian; including mine. He will be missed.
- Catie Dudley Hill, Rockwall, TX
Dear Bo and Family-- We are so sad to hear of the passing of Mr. Kelley. In my 44 years of teaching, I can honestly say I've never worked for a better Administrator. He loved SCPS and we loved him. My heart goes out to you at this very sad time. God bless you and bring you peace. Love, Susan????
- Susan and Taron McKowen, Sun City West, AZ
Bo and family. I am so sorry to hear Doyle passed away. I very much wanted to re-connect with him when I returned to Savannah. He was a great guy; I have many fond memories. I will never forget the summer of 1968 when we lifeguarded together at the YMCA pool. I know he was a great coach and had a positive influence on so many young athletes; he will be sorely missed.
- William Scarborough, Washington , DC
To the Kelly Family, Our hearts and prayers are extended to you during this time of loss. Coach made a lasting impression on our entire family. He will be missed. He legacy lives on through the students he coached both on and off the field. SCPS is what it is today in great part because of Coach Kelly. For me as a coach with the softball program for as many as 20 years ( middle school & high school ) I knew Coach Kelly to be a Coaches coach. He gave us everything we needed and then he had our back. God Bless. Coach Skip.
- Scott ( Coach Skippy ) & Elaine & Family, Savannah, GA
Bo, and family we are so sad to hear of your great loss!! Our memories of Coach are happy ones and we will always remember what a sweet and kind man he was. We just know that he is in the arms of Jesus and William is right there with him!! We are here if y'all need anything!! Please don't hesitate to ask. We love you Bo and your family, too! Praying for all of you now and in the days ahead! Love the Wilson's
- Randy, Shari and Libby Wilson, Pooler, Ga
Our hearts are heavy with pain that you are going thru,god will help you thru and time will help heel....he was very loved and respected.....may he rest in peace no more pain.............
- shirley and george loftin, newnan , ga
There are no words to express how we feel about your loss. I personally did not have the opportunity to have Coach as a teacher; but, my brother, Jim, did. Please accept our condolences. You and your family are in our prayers.
- Joyce (Eckes) Bovee, Savannah,
Dear Kelley family, I am celebrating the good fortune to have been around Coach Kelley in my youth. It is very sad to know he is gone but he will never truly be gone as his spirit cannot be forgotten. It is with deep regret that I will be unable to attend the funeral due to extended travel. My respect for this man runs very deep-hard to realize that I will not be there to pay respect. Be strong.
- Mark Heimes, Columbia, Sc
I'm so sorry for this tremendous loss. You all have been in our prayers for so long. Doyle had such a kind spirit and big heart. He was so dear to our family. You will continue to be in our prayers for comfort and peace.
- Belinda Jorgenson, ,
So deeply saddened by your loss. Coach will be missed. He touched my life as well as thousands of others. He was a special man, who now is with our Lord and Savior. Rest in peace Coach. We all love and resected you. Prayers to his family. May the Lord comfort you at this most difficult time.
- Stephen A Smith, Ladson , SC
Bo – so sorry for your loss. I don’t know if you remember me from 65th Street. My son was fortunate enough to know Coach Kelley. He was on his football team in the mid 80’s. He spoke of Coach Kelley often. We are deeply saddened by his passing. Your family will be in my thought and prayers.
- Ann Hearn Baker, Brooklet, GA
Bo and Family, Forty plus years of memories help us smile through our tears as we grieve with you. Coach's legacy of high expectations, discipline, compassion, and love of God and family has affected so many of us and his influence continues in those of the many lives he touched. We love all of you and count it a privilege to call you friends.
- Jeff and Sherri Goodman, Savannah, GA
Doyle, Mary, Josh, Jacob, Mrs. Kelley, and the Webb family, I am deeply sorry about the loss of Coach. Over the years, I have heard countless stories from, literally, strangers, who tell the story of "coach," who changed their life. Just this week, I heard two people at Publix discussing Coach and how he essentially saved a young man's life through his mentorship! You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
- Lindsay Greco, Savannah , Ga
I have many fond memories of Coach Kelley from high school. He demanded a lot of his athletes and had their respect for it. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you grieve and celebrate Coach's life.
- Lauren (DePue) Huang, Seattle ,
Our families have had almost 40 years of wonderful memories. Now we share the loss of our husbands and the grief that comes with the passing of these two wonderful men. The Ronnings love you and appreciate your friendship. Patty
- Patty Ronning, Savannah, Ga
Bo we are very sorry to hear of the passing of Doyle. He was a great guy. Howard enjoyed the time he got to Coach Football with Doyle and Coach Bubba Atwood at Savannah Christian years ago. It was a good time getting to know Doyle and getting together with you after twelve years of school together at Sacred Heart and S.H.S. May god bless you and your family. We know that Doyle is now in the all sports Hall Of Fame in Heaven. Coach Howard and Pat Canty, Merrick
- Coach Howard & Pat Canty, Merrick, Bluffton, S.C.
Bo, so very sorry to hear that Doyle had passed. My thoughts and prayers are for you and your family at your loss.
- Cathy Deal Quattlebaum, Guyton, 31312
To the Kelley Family - I am so, so sorry for your loss. Coach Kelley was an awesomely strong positive influence for so many of us at SCP. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Maxine Coleman and Family, Atlanta, Ga
Coach was a great principal and I am greatful to have had the honor to have been a student at SC.The man was gentle, caring,and an accountable principal. He left his mark on hundreds of lives. He made a point to know our names and care about us. He simply loved. Miss Savannah 2000/ Grad class of 2000
- Beth Brinson, Savannah, GA
Coach meant a lot to the many people his life touched. I haven't seen him sine I left Savannah in '79, but I have always saw him as a mentor. Coach clearly led a full life and it is up to all of us to remember the lessons he taught us.
- Hesham D. Oubari (Class of 81), Suffolk, VA
Bo and Family, I am sorry for your loss. If there is anything that I can do please let me know.
- Buster cheney, Rincon, Ga
Coach Kelley has touched so many lives over his many years of service to Savannah Christian that words cannot describe the loss we feel here at SCPS. Our students, staff, and faculty will work hard to continue to build upon the legacy that he has left here. He may be gone but Coach Kelley will never be forgotten. RAIDERS TOGETHER...RAIDERS FOREVER!!!
- Travis Priddy, Savannah, GA
Coach Kelley was a kind person and wonderful influence on SCPS and my boys. Our condolences to the Kelley family.
- The Burke Family, Johnny, Lee, John & Michael, Savannah, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Coach Kelley's passing is a great loss for not only your family but for all the lives he touched during his many years at SCPS.
- Sherri Johnson and Barry Coppage (Class of 1980), Guyton, GA
Thoughts and prayers for Bo and Family after Coach's passing. He was a great leader and will be missed.
- Kristen Graham, Savannah, GA
Dear Bo and family, Although we had only met Doyle once we know the love he shared for his family and the school he cared so much about. May the family be comforted in memories that will bring a smile to their faces. Hoping you feel the prayers and sympathy being extended to all of you. God's loving arms will hold you up. With our deepest sympathy, Marilea and Brad Lightner (Vidan Grandparents)
- Marilea and Brad Lightner, Bluffton, SC
We are saddened by the loss of such a great man. Prayers for family.
- Michelle Cooper , Corpus Christi, TX
I'm so sad to hear about to loss of such a great man! As a born and raised Raider, I knew him very well. With his Bo as my Pre-k teacher and Coach Kelly as my principal when I was in high school I grew to respect him as a person, principal and fellow Raider. My prayers and thoughts are with the Kelly family as they go through this hard time. Mr. Kelly was a wonderful man and an amazing coach and teacher. I'm so sorry for your loss. He touched so many lives through his lifetime at Savannah Christian; including mine. He will be missed.
- Catie Dudley Hill, Rockwall, TX
Dear Bo and Family-- We are so sad to hear of the passing of Mr. Kelley. In my 44 years of teaching, I can honestly say I've never worked for a better Administrator. He loved SCPS and we loved him. My heart goes out to you at this very sad time. God bless you and bring you peace. Love, Susan????
- Susan and Taron McKowen, Sun City West, AZ
Bo and family. I am so sorry to hear Doyle passed away. I very much wanted to re-connect with him when I returned to Savannah. He was a great guy; I have many fond memories. I will never forget the summer of 1968 when we lifeguarded together at the YMCA pool. I know he was a great coach and had a positive influence on so many young athletes; he will be sorely missed.
- William Scarborough, Washington , DC
To the Kelly Family, Our hearts and prayers are extended to you during this time of loss. Coach made a lasting impression on our entire family. He will be missed. He legacy lives on through the students he coached both on and off the field. SCPS is what it is today in great part because of Coach Kelly. For me as a coach with the softball program for as many as 20 years ( middle school & high school ) I knew Coach Kelly to be a Coaches coach. He gave us everything we needed and then he had our back. God Bless. Coach Skip.
- Scott ( Coach Skippy ) & Elaine & Family, Savannah, GA
Bo, and family we are so sad to hear of your great loss!! Our memories of Coach are happy ones and we will always remember what a sweet and kind man he was. We just know that he is in the arms of Jesus and William is right there with him!! We are here if y'all need anything!! Please don't hesitate to ask. We love you Bo and your family, too! Praying for all of you now and in the days ahead! Love the Wilson's
- Randy, Shari and Libby Wilson, Pooler, Ga
Our hearts are heavy with pain that you are going thru,god will help you thru and time will help heel....he was very loved and respected.....may he rest in peace no more pain.............
- shirley and george loftin, newnan , ga
There are no words to express how we feel about your loss. I personally did not have the opportunity to have Coach as a teacher; but, my brother, Jim, did. Please accept our condolences. You and your family are in our prayers.
- Joyce (Eckes) Bovee, Savannah,
Dear Kelley family, I am celebrating the good fortune to have been around Coach Kelley in my youth. It is very sad to know he is gone but he will never truly be gone as his spirit cannot be forgotten. It is with deep regret that I will be unable to attend the funeral due to extended travel. My respect for this man runs very deep-hard to realize that I will not be there to pay respect. Be strong.
- Mark Heimes, Columbia, Sc
I'm so sorry for this tremendous loss. You all have been in our prayers for so long. Doyle had such a kind spirit and big heart. He was so dear to our family. You will continue to be in our prayers for comfort and peace.
- Belinda Jorgenson, ,
So deeply saddened by your loss. Coach will be missed. He touched my life as well as thousands of others. He was a special man, who now is with our Lord and Savior. Rest in peace Coach. We all love and resected you. Prayers to his family. May the Lord comfort you at this most difficult time.
- Stephen A Smith, Ladson , SC
Bo – so sorry for your loss. I don’t know if you remember me from 65th Street. My son was fortunate enough to know Coach Kelley. He was on his football team in the mid 80’s. He spoke of Coach Kelley often. We are deeply saddened by his passing. Your family will be in my thought and prayers.
- Ann Hearn Baker, Brooklet, GA
Bo and Family, Forty plus years of memories help us smile through our tears as we grieve with you. Coach's legacy of high expectations, discipline, compassion, and love of God and family has affected so many of us and his influence continues in those of the many lives he touched. We love all of you and count it a privilege to call you friends.
- Jeff and Sherri Goodman, Savannah, GA
Doyle, Mary, Josh, Jacob, Mrs. Kelley, and the Webb family, I am deeply sorry about the loss of Coach. Over the years, I have heard countless stories from, literally, strangers, who tell the story of "coach," who changed their life. Just this week, I heard two people at Publix discussing Coach and how he essentially saved a young man's life through his mentorship! You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
- Lindsay Greco, Savannah , Ga
I have many fond memories of Coach Kelley from high school. He demanded a lot of his athletes and had their respect for it. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you grieve and celebrate Coach's life.
- Lauren (DePue) Huang, Seattle ,
Our families have had almost 40 years of wonderful memories. Now we share the loss of our husbands and the grief that comes with the passing of these two wonderful men. The Ronnings love you and appreciate your friendship. Patty
- Patty Ronning, Savannah, Ga
Bo we are very sorry to hear of the passing of Doyle. He was a great guy. Howard enjoyed the time he got to Coach Football with Doyle and Coach Bubba Atwood at Savannah Christian years ago. It was a good time getting to know Doyle and getting together with you after twelve years of school together at Sacred Heart and S.H.S. May god bless you and your family. We know that Doyle is now in the all sports Hall Of Fame in Heaven. Coach Howard and Pat Canty, Merrick
- Coach Howard & Pat Canty, Merrick, Bluffton, S.C.
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
