William "Jerry" Paul Kelly August 4, 1961 - May 27, 2025

William "Jerry" Paul Kelly August 4, 1961 - May 27, 2025 William "Jerry" Paul Kelly, 63, passed peacefully on May 27, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He will be dearly missed by family, friends, and anyone lucky enough to share a conversation or a meal with him. Born in Albuquerque, NM, Jerry was the youngest of five in a close-knit Irish family. His childhood was filled with travel and adventure, thanks to his parents Mae and Jim. From hunting and fishing across New Mexico to visiting the Quinn, Foy, and Keilman clans in Montana, Jerry soaked up family traditions. Summers on the Oregon coast with the Bryant family were especially meaningfulfull of crabbing, salmon fishing, and joy. In 1983, Jerry began his 42-year career with Delta Airlines, helping launch the Albuquerque station and later working as a Super Tug Operator in Atlanta. A brief assignment in Juneau, Alaska, marked one of the greatest moments of his life, the birth of his daughter, Kristina. Jerry embraced life with wholehearted joy. He loved visiting family in Alaska, fishing in Mexico with the Gasque brothers, lighting luminarias in Georgia, and making his famous Peach Jelly. His love of New Mexico chile was unmatched, and he always credited Annabelle "Nana" Miller, for teaching him how to prepare it "from the pods." He lived by the phrase "DO RIGHT," and his kindness, loyalty, and generosity left lasting impressions. He is survived by his daughter, Kristina (Benjamin) Batten; grandson, Joshua Norman; former spouses, Karena Kelly and Donna Naranjo Kelly; siblings, Linda (Barry) Evans, Jim (Mary Jo) Kelly, Joe Kelly, and John (Susan) Kelly; nieces, Kyrstyn, Kaytlyn, Emma, Molly, and Kelly; nephew, Barry; many cousins; and beloved dog, Cowboy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice "Jim" and Mary "Mae" Kelly; niece, Leila Pelch; and bonus daughter, Courtney Hosier. A Celebration of Life to be held August 2, 2025 at Sherrell-Westbury Funeral Home, Jackson, GA. Memorials in NM (Dec. 2025) and AK (June 2026). Donations in Jerry's memory may be made to Shatterproof, ASPCA, or the National Park Foundation. Sherrell-Westbury Funeral Home, 212 E. College Street, Jackson, GA, is serving the Kelly family.