Verner Earl Kelly

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Celebrating the life of
Verner Earl KellyJuly 03, 1915 - May 26, 2008

Verner E. Kelly

Verner E. Tex Kelly, died May 26th at The Marshes, Skidaway Island
Born and reared in Longview, Texas, July 3, 1915, Verner E. Kelly familiarly known in his later years as "Tex", spent most of his life in Savannah, Georgia. As a boy in Texas he became a Boy Scout and attained the rank of "Eagle" which he cherished his whole life. He attended public schools there and went on to Harvard College, Class of 1937, and Harvard Graduate School of Business, Class of 1939. In November, 1939, he married Margaret Orne of Boothbay Harbor, Maine, and the young couple started out in New York City. They moved to Hudson Falls, New York when he was hired by Union Bag and Paper Company. After two years in upper New York State, he was sent to Savannah, Georgia, where he eventually became the head of the Bag Division of that company and later spent six years at the New York office, first as Director of Information Services, and later in the new position of Corporate Director of Environmental Protection in 197l. At that time he established his headquarters in Savannah.
A scratch golfer for years, Tex took up golf at age 6 and by age 89 he had made 19 holes in one. He started "shooting his age" at 66 and ended that feat at 89. He was a music lover, both good jazz and classical and had a very large record collection.
In Savannah, Tex was a volunteer for many organizations. He was the president of the Savannah Rotary Club, the Chairman of the Public Library system, and president of the Savannah Golf Club. He was the general chairman of the United Community Appeal, a board member of Greenbriar Children's Center, Y.M.C.A., Coastal Empire of Boy Scouts, Savannah Chamber of Commerce, Little Theater, Memorial Hospital, County Welfare Board Chairman, the Board of Health, a trustee of Savannah Country Day School, and elected a Chatham County Commissioner. He was a Deacon of the First Presbyterian Church. During residency in Madison, N.J. he served on the board of the Madison United Fund, Morris County United Fund and Kent Place School of Summit, N.J. In addition, he was general chairman of the Madison United Fund Campaign.
Back in Savannah, in 1971, he was active in the following: board member of First Federal Savings & Loan Assn., general chairman Savannah State College annual community support campaign, board member Chatham County Cardio-vascular Council, Chairman of the Board of the Chatham County Dept. of Family and Children's Services, board member Historic Savannah Foundation, president Rotary Educational Fund, curator Georgia Historical Society, president Landings Association, a ten-year volunteer of the Landings Fire Department, member Landings Bylaws Committee, and a Paul Harris Fellow.
A member of the Madeira Club, he wrote papers on many topics including the History of the Madeira Club, and a book titled: "A Short History of Skidaway Island." He was a past member of The Oglethorpe Club, Savannah Yacht Club, Morris County N.J. Golf Club, Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club and the Boothbay Region Country Club.
He was predeceased by two sons Thomas and Richard.
Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Margaret, two daughters, Virginia and her husband Henry Tison, Jr., Margaret and her husband David Tew. Grandchildren include: Catherine T. Eurell, Eleanor T. Dailey, Henry Lawton Tison III, Virginia T. Coates, John M. Tison, Sarah Tew, Alice T. Gifford, H. Alexander Tew, Lt. Cmdr. Richard M. Kelly, Dana K. Bullivant, and twelve great-grandchildren, his sister, Mary Virginia Skipper, age 101, of Lake Charles, La., and several nieces and nephews.
There will be a memorial service at Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church on Friday, May 30 at 2:00 P.M., with a short reception afterwards. There will be a burial service later in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. The family requests no flowers. Remembrances, a charity of your choice.

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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Mrs. Kelly/Ginny: The sincere condolences of the Perkins family. My late parents enjoyed many a good evening with you and Tex and spoke of you often and fondly. Hope to see you in Maine this summer.

- VAdm Jim Perkins,USN Retired, Boothbay Harbor, ME

We remember with pleasure our visit to Savannah as well as many happy gatherings on our porch, with my parents as hosts, looking across the water to Orne hill. Judy and I were so fortunate to know Tex. Our condolences and fondest thoughts,

- WIlliam Keller, Judith Bloomgarden and Family of Deane Keller, Wayne, PA

Margie, I was so sad to hear about Tex. My thoughts are with you and the family. I can only hope he is up there showing my Dad & Howard a thing or two about golf!

- Galyn Prescott Metcalf, Lake Oswego, OR

We will all miss Tex on Orne Hill. Our thoughts are with you and the entire Kelly Family. Dick & Laura

- DICK & LAURA ORNE, WEST BOOTHBAY HBR, ME

Margie,we are so sorry and you are in our prayers.Chatham County has lost a true gentleman and we have lost a true friend.We shall never forget the happy times on the golf trips and games with both of you.Please stay strong.You have our support.

- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, GA

Mrs. Kelly, I was saddened to hear of Mr. Kelly's passing, and I want to offer my condolences to you and your family. Mr. Kelly lived a long and full life, which we can all be thankful for. I will always remember his and your warm hospitality that helped make our summer trips to Maine so enjoyable. Please take care, and I hope to see you again this summer.

- Sam Khoury, Longview, TX

The Ormond family sends you it's deepest sympathy and respect.

- Alex Ormond, Savannah, GA

Margaret, I have you and your family in my prayers. He must've been a wonderful father. My mother lived in Longview when she was young. Makes me wonder if they ever said hello. Hope all is well in Maine. Love, JoAnn

- Jo Ann Risher, savannah, GA

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

- Mildred Bolch Calhoun, Savannah, GA

I have many happy memories of a delightful man. You, Margie and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Jo one of 'the girls'

- Jo Cupit, Longview, TX

The entire Rauers family sends there condolences and especially to my friend Margaret. I am so sorry I can't be with you but will be thinking of you. BR

- Billy Rauers, Savannah, GA

A very special man. My thoughts are with you Margie. Nick Craig

- Nick Craig, Savannah, GA

The thoughts and prayers of the Backus family are with you.

- Scott Backus, Savannah, GA