Remembering Henry Clay Kelley, Sr

 I first met Henry 30 years ago very soon after I arrived in Heber Springs and quickly knew he was a kind, caring, Christian man. He welcomed Barbara and me to Heber and invited me to visit First Baptist Church. One of my fondest memories was the pleasure of he and Tommie going on a trip to Hawaii with the banks Summit Club. Spent 10 days really getting to know them and actually played golf with Henry a couple of times on the trip. Henry was a special person and always made me feel good after a visit over the years. He was a rare breed blessed with a big heart, kindness, love of family, community but most of all his love of God both in spirit and actions. I know he is rejoicing in Heaven today. Barbara and I send our prayers of comfort to all the family.

 Henry Clay Kelley's Memorial Service Program with Memory Lane Photos can be viewed by clicking the below link. 12.28.2020 Memorial Program https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:a47fe7c1-10d4-4d08-ad13-2a58ae44eb3c

Your dad shared your blog and it is fabulous but I am not sure how it works so I am sending you this recent note I got from a friend of ours Deb Chandler Robus. Her mom Arlene was our piano teacher and she was a terrific journal keeper. Arlene wrote down this experience and shared it with her daughter Deb.      “Kay...I hope you are safe and well during this period of self-distancing.  I was looking for some information this afternoon and somehow got sidetracked reading old e-mail messages from my mother. I found this gem that I wanted to share with you. It is her recollection of an interview done at First Baptist by their interim pastor...and it's about your dad.  Enjoy! August 6, 2001 I wanted to share with both of you (before I forget it!) an interview last night at church with Henry Clay Kelley.  I've never seen that side of the man before! Our pastor, Bro. Swihart, often does this on Sunday nights--calls someone up from the congregation to interview th...

 "All my love to you Kelley's."  Susie Photos from Henry's 90th Birthday Party

 The Grandest in deed! We lost a real REAL good man today. It happened beautifully and I’m so thankful for that...there’s still a pit in my heart knowing I won’t get to come home and hug Grandad one more time, squeeze his hand with him squeezing back as tight as he can. Smiling through it all and always remembering to point us back to Jesus. He got it. And now he’s getting it....he’s beginning his everlasting joyful peaceful life in heaven. Natalie said it perfectly and I can’t help to admit I thought the same thing this morning. What a gift he gave us knowing with 100% certainty that he is somewhere more and enjoyable and better than “here.” I pray we each leave as beautiful of a legacy and family as Grandad did...we are truly so lucky to be a part of their family. I’m forever grateful to be theirs and to know my kids are theirs too.  A few favorite memories growing up: -Grandad’s fires in the fireplace and cracking nuts by the fire (especially during Christmas time)  -G...

 

Granddad & Natalie I awoke around 2am PST this morning and just could not go back to sleep. I wandered outside to take a look at the stars over the Pacific Ocean, hoping to see Saturn and Jupiter as they come close to the "Great Convergence" otherwise known as the Star of Bethlehem.  I had time to be still, quietly by myself, and began reflecting on the last year, 2020.  This is a pandemic year none of us will forget. A year, I feel, that has been filled with a true calling to see through rose colored glasses in order to pick out the positives when it has been so easy to focus on the challenges, the negatives and the sadness experienced by so many, including our family.   Last night (12/19), I FaceTimed with my Dad, Aunt Kay, & Mimi for a little bit. Even though we were 100s of miles away, we were both baking and making things in the kitchen at the same time.  Granddad was already asleep. I asked Dad how he was doing and he shared that he was in a "diffe...