Gene Ketchie O'Kelley

Mr. Gene Ketchie O'Kelley, 82, went to be with his Lord on Monday, May 23, 2022, at his home in China Grove. He was surrounded by family and friends.

A graveside service is scheduled for 11:00 am Friday, May 27, 2022, at Greenlawn Cemetery in China Grove. Military honors will be provided by the Rowan County Veterans Honor Guard. His family would like to invite friends to join them at this time as Gene's life on Earth is remembered and celebrated. Chad Lewis will officiate.

Mr. O'Kelley was born July 22, 1939 in Salisbury. He was the son of the late Gordon Gustus O'Kelley and Sophie Ketchie O'Kelley. Mr. O'Kelley graduated from China Grove High in 1957 and Appalachian State in 1965. He also served in the US Air Force. He was an active member of his community throughout his years where he served as an alderman, held a position on the advisory boards at both China Grove Junior High and South Rowan High, and was active as a Deacon and trustee at First Baptist Church of China Grove. He retired from Fieldcrest Cannon in Kannapolis where he worked in Order and Data Processing. After retirement, he worked part time at Linn Honeycutt Funeral Home for many years.

Gene was a wonderful son, husband, daddy, and pop. He loved spending time with his family and friends, whether it was in the garden (a favorite pastime of his), at the beach, at church, or just at home relaxing with loved ones. He loved watching his children and grandchildren as they participated in sports and other activities. He was an extremely hard worker, supporter, and protector. He always wanted to make sure everyone was taken care of until the very end, often putting others before himself.

Gene is survived by his wife of 57 years, Virginia Carol "Carolyn" Lambert O'Kelley; along with their children, Gene Richard "Rick" O'Kelley (Ann), Gina Wirz, (Wayne), and Susan Kimball (John); also surviving him are his grandchildren, Michael Wirz (Erica), Phillip Wirz (Cathryn), Joe O'Kelley (Paige), Olivia O'Kelley, Nathaniel Kimball, and Kandus Kimball; other survivors include his sister-in-law, Jean Lambert; his nieces, Denise Sheets, Debbie Williams, and Donna Wright; his nephews, Tony Williams and David Lambert; and a special family friend, Willa Russell.

Special thanks from the family is given to all who made it possible for Gene to remain in his home, especially Tender Heart Care, specifically Susan, Trellis Supportive Care and Molly.

Memorials can be given to First Baptist Church of China Grove, 302 Patterson Street, China Grove, NC 28023 or to the church or your choice.

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26