Franklin David Kelley, Sr.

Franklin David Kelley, Sr. was born to William “Bill” Kelley and Zepher Henderson Kelley on July 10, 1933, in Chatham. He became known throughout North Louisiana as Frank Kelley. He had one biological brother, Huey P. Kelley, who preceded him in death. He joined St. Clair Baptist Church at an early age and became a devout member and served as a Sunday School Teacher and Deacon until his death.

He attended Jasper Henderson High School and was drafted into the U.S. Army on February 17, 1954. He later attended Grambling College. He started working for Guy Baker Motor Company as a car jockey and later went to work for Jim Paynter Dodge where he worked in the paint and body shop and worked his way to become a top Certified Automobile Salesperson and the first black salesperson in North Louisiana. Frank received several awards throughout his career and even won a Toyota Tercel. For 54 years, until his retirement, he sold cars through a myriad of ownership changes. He was elected as the first black school board member to serve on the Jackson Parish School Board on November 3, 1970. He served as Chairman of the Transportation Committee, Chairman of the Executive Finance Committee, and served as Vice President of Jackson Parish School Board for 10 years. He served until December 30, 2003.

Frank and Earlean Buggs were married in 1954 and to this union four children were born, Loice Cottingham (Cass) of Pearland, Texas, Carl Wendell (deceased after 5 months), Kenneth ( Veronica) of Porter, Texas, and Frank, Jr. (Willie Mae), of West Monroe. His legacy will continue through his six children and 10 grandchildren.

The family invites you to attend the Celebration of Life Services for Frank Kelley on Saturday, August 20, 2022, at 11 a.m. at St. Clair Baptist Church, 2035 Hwy 146, Chatham, LA. 71226.

A visitation will be held Friday, August 19, 2022, from 3-6 p.m. and a wake will be held 6-7 p.m. at Kings Funeral Home, 1511 W. California Ave., in Ruston.