John Nevill Kelley passed away on February 21, 2026, at the age of 86, in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was born in Shreveport, LA on March 24, 1939, to Elizabeth (Lizzie) and Bose Kelley. John grew up in Shreveport and graduated from Fairpark High School in 1957, before proudly entering the United States Navy, where he served for two years aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kearsarge (CVS-33) – a time in his life that reflected his deep love of his country and his steady sense of duty.

While stationed in Long Beach, California, John met the love of his life, Charlotte. They married in 1960, beginning a remarkable, beautiful journey of faithfulness, laughter and unwavering devotion that would span 65 years, 8 months and 4 days. Their love story was constant and true – the kind that only deepens with time.

John began his career with Thermal Supply, where through hard work, he became a Store Manager. He was promoted to District Manager, where he oversaw six stores, earning the respect of his colleagues for his fairness, dedication and the way he treated people. Many of his customers became life-long friends – a true testament to the way he did business. He believed in relationships, in keeping his word, and in treating everyone with kindness and respect. Later, he continued his career in the heating and air conditioning industry and retired at age 73 from Baker Distributing Company. He was respected for his strong work ethic fairness and quiet leadership. He led not with loud words, but with quiet strength, wisdom and consistency – qualities that defined him both in his professional life and the man he was at home.

John and Charlotte shared a deep love of the outdoors, especially fishing twice a year on the White River in Mountain Home, Arkansas creating memories filled with peace and simple happiness. He also treasured visiting family in Tennessee. Above all, he cherished spending time with his grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Whether casting a line, telling a story, or simply sitting together, John made those around him feel at ease.

His grandchildren collectively described him as humble, kind, wise, warm, welcoming, devoted, comforting, safe, gracious, funny, amazing storyteller, and the patience of Job. Those qualities defined the steady presence he had in all their lives. He listened well, spoke thoughtfully, and loved deeply.

John is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Charlotte; his daughters, Kathy McCall and husband Shawn; and Charlene Andrew and husband Robbie; Grandchildren, Haley Ennis and husband Nathan; Chandler Hodge, Jackson Wheat and wife Camila, and Alex Andrew and Great Grandchildren, Wyatt and Elliott Ennis; and his sister Norma, and her husband, Bill  Franks, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his mother and father; brothers, Jack, Edgar, B.F., William (Bob) Kelley, Billy Kelly and Louis Kelly; and sisters, Ruby Beadle, Martiel Campbell and Maxine Kelley.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. with the service beginning at 2:00 pm at Down's Funeral Home, located at 4608 Elysian Fields Rd, Marshall, Texas. The burial service will immediately follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery, 1174 County Road 328, DeBerry, Texas 75639.

Honoring John as pallbearers will be Shawn McCall, Robbie Andrew, Chandler Hodge, Jackson Wheat, Nathan Ennis and Parker Perez.

The family is very grateful for the compassionate care John received from the staff at The Glen Memory Care and LifePath Hospice. Their kindness brought comfort during his final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shriners Children's Shreveport @ Shrinerschildrens.org/give or mail to Shriners Children's Hospital, Office of Philanthropy, 3100 Samford Ave, Shreveport, LA 71103 or St. Jude Children's Hospital in Memphis, TN @ stjude.org or mail to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.