Robert William Kelley

Robert William Kelley of Salem, a devoted husband, loving father, proud veteran and skilled craftsman, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the age of 93. He was born on June 07, 1932 in Salem, son of the late Terrence Clayton and Ninnie Mae Nutter Kelley.

Robert honorably served his country as a member of the National Guard during the Korean War from 1950 to 1952. His service reflected a lifelong commitment to hard work, responsibility, and dedication- values he carried into every part of his life.

Robert was never afraid of hard work, over the years, he delivered milk, graduated from Carpentry School in Clarksburg, worked at Copperwell Steel Mill in Ohio, installed windows, and later retired from HREA Electric Company. A talented carpenter, he found great joy in woodworking, creating pieces with his hands that reflected both skill and care-much like the life he lived.

In 1952, he married the love of his life, Loretta “Peggy” Gregg. Together, they build a strong and loving family and shared many years of devotion, Robert was the proud father of seven children,

Roberta VanPelt of Birmingham, Al, Roger Kelley (Maria), Girard, OH, Deborah Kelley (Tim Jamison), Salem, Loretta Prettyman, Brian Kelley (Liza), Ron Kelley all of Miletus. His legacy continues through his 15 grandchildren, Jason Jett, Stephen Kelley, Robert Kelley, Keena Jamison, Cathy Prettyman, Dusty Prettyman, Derek VanPelt, Brandon Jamison, Charliena Malcomb, Misty Arnett, Donna Morgan, Carrie Kelley, Jeff Kelley, JP VanPelt; 18 great grandkids, Lincoln, Cole, Tristan, Ethan, Caydan, Dylan, Jonathan, Patrick, Catelynne, Payton, Camden, Lexi, Ava, Levi, Wyatt, Isabella, Alissa and Malik; one great great granddaughter, Faelyn; numerous nieces and nephews.  

In addition to his parents, Robert is preceded in death by his wife, Loretta “Peggy” Catherine Gregg Kelley on June 6, 2015; daughter, Andrea Renee; son-in-law, Larry Prettyman; daughter-in-law, Pamela Kelley, and one granddaughter, Jennifer Jett; six sisters, Dora Violet Davis, Stella Mae Kelley, Hilda Irene Rymer, Thelma Adeline Kelley, Dorothy Agnes Kelley, Edith Mary Webber and Nellie Marie Burskey; one brother, Albert C Kelley; and  half-brother, Fred Ellyson.  

Family will receive friends at Davis Funeral Home-Salem, 1999 W. Main Street, Salem, on Monday, January 5, 2026 from 3:00-7:00pm and on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 from 9:00am until the time of the Funeral Service at 11:00am with Reverend Bill Mumbauer officiating.  Interment will follow at WV National Cemetery where full military honors will be accorded by the Harrison County Honor Guard and the US Army Honor Guard. Online condolences may be sent to DavisFuneralHomeSalemWV.com.  Davis Funeral Home Salem is honored to serve the Kelley family.

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