Michael “Mike” T. Kelsey, age 72, a longtime resident of Troy, Alabama, passed away Wednesday, January 21, 2015. A graveside service will be held Saturday, January 24 at 11 a.m. in Green Hills Memorial Cemetery with Rev. Andrew Knick officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be Gilbert Carlisle, David Singleton, Max Ellis, Atlas Green, Shawn Nelson, and Randy Williams. The employees of Ellis Metals, Inc. of Brundidge, Alabama, will serve as honorary pallbearers. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service at the funeral home.
Mr. Kelsey is first and foremost a beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother. His kind and nonjudgmental nature is fondly remembered by all who encountered him, as is his most favorable characteristic of being “honest-to-the-core.” Mr. Kelsey was a proud Army veteran, having served a tour in Vietnam; a graduate of Clemson University; and a devoted employee of Ellis Metals for 27 years. He was also a member of Southside Baptist Church.
Mr. Kelsey is preceded in death by his parents, Paul S. and Edith F. Kelsey; sister-in-law, Christa T. Kelsey; and father-in-law, Joseph G. Carlisle, Sr. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Dinah Carlisle Kelsey; sons, Richard T. Kelsey (Brandi) and Jeffrey P. Kelsey; grandchildren, Austin J. Kelsey and Joshua M. Kelsey; brother, James B. Kelsey; sister, P. Kelsey Murphy; mother-in-law, Jane L. Carlisle; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews; and special caregiver, Martha Johnson.
In addition to flowers, contributions can be made to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (1359 Broadway, Suite 1509 NY, NY 10018), Disabled American Veterans (PO Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301), or Southside Baptist Church (522 S. Brundidge St. Troy, AL 36081). Friends and family can sign the guestbook or order flowers at www.greenhillsfuneralhome.net. The staff of Green Hills Funeral Home is honored to serve the Kelsey family.