THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, August 19, 1996 TAG: 9608190005
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B4 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: 39 lines
Walter DeKalb Kelley Sr., 75, retired chairman of Metro Machine Corp., died Aug. 16, at his home.
Mr. Kelley was a native of Jasper, Ala. He graduated from Auburn University in 1942 with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. He served as an officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II and returned to active duty during the Korean Conflict. It was during the latter tour of duty that he moved to Norfolk.
In 1952, Mr. Kelley began work with Cottrell Engineering. He later co-founded Metro Machine Corp. and served as its president and chairman of the board until retiring in the early 1980s. He thereafter was an active investor in a variety of private businesses.
During his years in Norfolk, Mr. Kelley was involved in a number of religious and social activities. He was a longtime deacon of Larchmont Baptist Church and served the church in various other roles. He was a member of the Norfolk Kiwanis Club, serving on its board of directors and was a trustee of Norfolk Collegiate School.
Mr. Kelley is survived by his wife of 48 years, Frances Woodfin Kelley; three children, Walter DeKalb Kelley Jr. of Norfolk, Arthur Woodfin Kelley of Raleigh, N.C., and Carolyn Marie Kelley of Richmond; five grandchildren, Whitmore Woodfin Kelley, Catherine Taylor Kelley, Walter Thurman Kelley II, Collier Taylor Kelley and Charlotte Gardner Kelley. He is also survived by a sister, Marie Kelley Griswold of Columbus, Ga., and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Larchmont Baptist Church today at noon by the Rev. John Dean. The family will receive friends following the service at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Walter Kelley Jr., 1105 North Shore Road. Interment will be private.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Larchmont Baptist Church, 1127 Surrey Crescent, Norfolk, 23508, the Norfolk Botanical Garden or a charity of choice. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments Norfolk Chapel is handling arrangements.
KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY by CNB