HR0576 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0576 LRB102 22331 MST 31468 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of William Kelley, who passed away on November 26, 2021; and

WHEREAS, William Kelley was born in Bolton, Mississippi to Charles Kelley and Mentha Martin on May 18, 1929, the youngest boy of seven children; and

WHEREAS, William Kelley was a hard worker; he dedicated 33 years to Bell and Howell, working in their machine shop, and two and a half years to Sargent Welch, before retiring in 1990; and

WHEREAS, William Kelley was dedicated to his family; after the passing of his first wife, Louise Kelley, he married Carolyn Kelley in 1984; and

WHEREAS, William Kelley instilled in his children and grandchildren the importance of receiving an education, even though he did not have an opportunity to receive a quality education; as a result, his children and grandchildren are all college graduates with some holding post-graduate degrees; and

WHEREAS, William Kelley was a resident, homeowner, and landlord in the Lawndale Community in Chicago for over 50 years; and

WHEREAS, William Kelley became very active in his neighborhood when he moved to Cermak and Kildare in 1961; he was a block club member and participated in CAPS neighborhood watch; he was well known in his neighborhood, and most of his neighbors referred to him as "Mr. Kelley"; and

WHEREAS, William Kelley honored his civic duty by never missing an opportunity to vote; and

WHEREAS, William Kelley will always be remembered for his vivacity, especially on the dance floor; he was the life of the party and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends; he had a gracious smile and a fun-loving personality and was dedicated to his family; he will be greatly missed by all who encountered his warmth and high spirit; and

WHEREAS, William Kelley was passionate about travel; he spent many summers traveling with his family across the country; when he was not traveling, you could find him preparing his garden or taking fishing trips with his son; and

WHEREAS, William Kelley was preceded in death by his mother, father, three brothers, and three sisters; and

WHEREAS, William Kelley is survived by his wife, Carolyn Kelley; his children, Mary, Charles, and Fanchon Kelley; his grandchildren, Belinda Burgess, Charles (Amy) Kelley Jr., and Korey (Tiffany) Kelley; his great-grandchildren, Taylor Porter, Antoine Harris Jr., Quentin Carey, and Avery Kelley; and numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends, and neighbors; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of William Kelley and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of William Kelley as an expression of our deepest sympathy.