Thomas Earl Kelly, of Marietta, Ga., died February 6, 2026.
Tom was born and raised in Anderson SC, a place he loved to call home. He attended TL Hanna High School where he lettered in football and track and field. In 1978, Tom was a proud graduate of The Citadel Military College of South Carolina. He often spoke of how The Citadel shaped his life.
Upon graduating with a degree in Business Administration, Tom accepted his first job with Roger Millikan. This sparked a career of over 40 years including Orian Rugs, Maxim Medical, and Quintiles Laboratories in Atlanta ,GA.
Tom was a shrewd businessman. At an early age, he purchased his father’s former business, Kell-Brook Men’s Store in Anderson SC. His personal portfolio spanned from buildings, land, warehouses, and condominiums in both Anderson, SC and Atlanta, GA.
It wasn’t all work with Tom though. Tom knew how to have fun and enjoy life through his many hobbies. Tom loved bluegrass, traveling, boats, motorcycles, classic cars, and even received his pilot’s license – flying for some years. Tom spent many weekends in the Blueridge Mountains with his lifelong friends Jimmy and Cathi Laughridge. Tom had a real love for the mountains and their beauty, and his wish was for it to be his final resting place.
Tom left the world too early for his family and friends – yet in his timing. Family was very important to him, but more importantly, Tom was a child of God. Jesus Christ was his foundation, and Tom lived a Godly life every day while enriching the lives of those around him. He worshipped God, he showed up for his family and friends and was extremely generous to those in need. Tom attended Covenant Baptist Church in Anderson, SC. If you ever had the pleasure to be in his company, his pure heart would’ve been immediately evident.
Tom was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Earl Kelly Sr., his mother Bertha (Bert) Ellenburg Kelly Gales, and his brother Keenan Dagnal Kelly. Tom leaves behind his beloved sister, Susan Kelly Foust (Butch), beloved brother John Taft Kelly, sister-in-law Beth Jones Kelly, nephews Joshua Seth Kelly and Brett Butler Kelly (Paige), nieces Lindy Foust Tempelis (Spiros) and Laura Kelly Foust, and great niece Georgina (Georgie) Irene Tempelis.
A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with a reception to follow at Sullivan-King Mortuary, 3205 Highway 81 North, Anderson, SC 29621.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a church or charity of your choice.
Tom will be remembered for his steadfast faith, generous heart, sharp mind, and deep love for God, his family, and friends. His legacy of integrity, devotion, and quiet strength will endure in all who knew him.