On Wednesday, March 31st 1943, Arthur Doison Kelly, Jr was born in San Angelo, Texas. He was
the first-born son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Kelly Senior. Arthur was sent to live with his grandparents on the farm in Flatonia, Texas, where he learned the importance of hard work and honesty. After staying in Flatonia for four years, his dad picked him up and returned him back to San Angelo. Arthur often said, "The saddest day of my life was seeing
my daddy coming to get me." He was returned to San Angelo where he became a student at San Angelo Central High School. In 1961, he graduated as an honor student and quickly left home to work. After being denied entry
into the military, Arthur traveled throughout the State of Texas working odd jobs and helping his
family. His love for golf would often find him as a caddy for anybody. He briefly lived in Spur
and Crosbyton, Texas where his family had moved but found his home and heart in Post, Texas. He married Lela Adams and they were together for 30 years until she passed away in 1992. Arthur and Lela joined Pleasant Home Baptist Church in 1968, and he was ordained a deacon by the late Reverend WD Queenan. In 1972, he was called into the ministry and ordained under Reverend Queenan. He was quickly called to serve as Pastor for Mount Zion Baptist Church in New Home, Texas where he served for six years. After the death of Pastor Queenan, he was called to serve as Pastor at the Pleasant Home Baptist Church. He was a faithful and dedicated Pastor for 49 years. Along the way, he made many, many friends. As the saying goes, "He never met a stranger." During his tenure as a Pastor, he served in many capacities through the church. He was the Evangelist, Vice Moderator, and eventually, Moderator of the New Zeal District Baptist Association. He also served on the Garza County Senior Citizens Board. In 1992 he "looked over the piano" and spotted a young lady singing in church at the Sunday School and BTU Congress in Tahoka. He prayed for the nerve to contact that young woman and ask her out for dinner. Ira White, a local Baptist Minister accepted the invitation and the courtship began. They were married in August 1994 and stayed together until Arthur's passing. Arthur loved everybody and always said that all of his blessings came through the church. He never ate a bad meal, heard a bad sermon, or heard a bad song. He enjoyed life to the fullest and always had a great smile. He was always upbeat and encouraged everyone in his path. His parents, Arthur and Mollie Kelly preceded him in death, as well as a sister Gracie Patterson, and his grandparents. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Pastor Ira White-Kelly of Post. Two Brothers, Donald Green of Long Beach,[California and Robert Kelly of Tyler, Texas and one Sister, Annie Bell Williams (Marvin) of Dallas, Texas; plus a whole plethora of nieces, nephews, In-Laws and cousins. He also leaves to cherish his memory "special friends" Robbie and Jeff Williams of Post. If you couldn't find him on a Friday night, more than likely he was with Jeff or Robby at a football game. Arthur retired from the City of Post after 33 years in 2017. He loved God, his family, his friends, and Post. Celebration of Life Services will be held on Saturday, July 6, at 1:00 at the Post ISD Auditorium. Interment will follow at Terrace Cemetery under the direction of Hudman Funeral Home.