Throw Back Thursday Photos and Story....

It has been a busy couple of weeks at work, but I have started thinking about my little brother. Next week marks 11 years since his death. I'm not depressed about it, or sad now, but my thoughts do turn to him and all the fun memories of good times we shared growing up and as adults. The time we had him with us was a blessing. He was such a special man, who touched so many during his time on earth. I do still miss him.

I've blogged about him before, so my long-time friends here have seen these photos and heard about him several times. Thanks for bearing with me. I just always feel compelled to honor his memory with a post on (or around) the anniversary of his death. It was such a blessing to be in his hospital room with him, and his wife, Jo Anne, when he passed from this world to the next.  Here is a little about him, from the newspaper. Hundreds (seriously, hundreds) of people honored him and our family by lining up outside and down the block of the funeral home, for visitation, and then filled the church the next day, for the funeral service. He is resting next to our parents and maternal grandparents.

Randy (Paul R.) Kelly
March 10, 1955-Aug. 29, 2003

Mr. Kelly died Friday, Aug. 29, 2003 at Mt. Carmel East Hospital (Columbus, Ohio) following a courageous seven-year battle with colorectal cancer.

Born March 10, 1955, in Washington Court House, to the late Orlyn A. & Helen L. (Cameron) Kelly, he moved to Millersport and was a 1973 graduate of Millersport High School.

He received his B.S. in business administration from Ohio University in 1978.

He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Jo Anne (Clutter) Kelly; daughter Sara Elizabeth Kelly; son Michael Paul Kelly, both of the home; sisters Terri (Joe) D'Orsaneo, Lakeland, FL, Patti (Greg) McDermott, McConnellsville, Tammy Kelly, Newark; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was co-owner and President of Kelly & Askew, Inc., a commercial door company in Groveport, and was formerly an employee of Kinnear and of Wayne Dalton Company, Columbus. During 15 years with these organizations he served as Service Manager, Marketing Manager, and Branch Manager.

An active member of Peace United Methodist Church, Randy served as Lay Leader and Chairman of the Missions Committee. He was deeply involved with Habitat for Humanity, Beckley, WV Youth Center, and other Missions projects.

A loving and supportive father who coached PYAA soccer, baseball and basketball, he was also an enthusiastic supporter of the Pickerington Marching Band. Never was there a better friend, a more loving Christian father, or a more avid Buckeye Lake boating enthusiast than Randy Kelly. Other hobbies included hunting, fishing and golf.

Thanks for allowing me to remember him today! I promise not to do it here again next week! I wish you a good Thursday! We have an opening reception, at the Museum, tomorrow night, for the Richard Sexton photography exhibit. I am looking forward to hearing the artist speak!  Blessings!