Barry Lee Kelly, 64, Commander, Aviator, USN, retired, died peacefully at his home in Crowley, TX, Saturday, August 20, 2016, with his loving and devoted wife Molly by his side. He is survived by wife Molly Meloy Kelly and his two sons. Lt. Alex Kelly and his wife Anne Kelly, Army WO Phillip Kelly, his brother and sister in law James and Susan Kelly and his mother Gwen Kelly. He is sorely missed by a multitude of friends, extended family and colleagues. The world has lost a true renaissance man. An avid outdoorsman, Barry loved trout fishing, hunting and skiing, and has passed on this love to his two boys. When weather drove him inside he loved woodworking, and was an avid gamer before there even was such a thing. An engineer, a systems thinker, by inclination, education, and vocation, he delighted in providing answers to complex questions we weren’t yet smart enough to ask; most often with a twinkle in his eye. Later in life, he would take to the Texas skies in his private aircraft, or delight in a track day or car show with his latest performance car. Barry liked his toys. Appointed to the US Naval Academy from upstate NY, Barry pursued a degree in Ocean Engineering and was commissioned as a Naval Officer in 1973. He later transferred to Naval Aviation and earned the Gold Wings as a Naval Flight Officer in 1975. His Naval Aviation flying career was in the S-3 Viking carrier-based aircraft. He accumulated thousands of operational hours, hundreds of carrier traps, and innumerous life-long shipmates. He reveled in the tough assignments, yet always found a way to make you laugh. He was a valued member in every wardroom, earning the Navy Meritorious Service Medal (MSM), the Navy Commendation Medal (NCM) the Navy Achievement Medal (NAM), and the Southwest Asia Service Medal. Following retirement from active duty, he melded his love of engineering and aviation in his work endeavors, starting with an advanced degree in Systems Science from SUNY Binghamton as he prepared for his second career. Barry worked as a systems engineer for Lockheed Martin Systems Integration, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Bell Helicopter – TEXTRON, and was well known in the DFW area as an expert in Performance Based Logistics and Supply Chain Management for naval aviation parts for Navy and Marine aircraft including the H-60 Nighthawk, the F-35 Lightning II, and the V-22 Osprey. A local Fort Worth memorial service and celebration is planned for 2:00 pm on Sunday, Sep 4, at the Mayfield Kiser Funeral Home in Burleson, Texas. Visitation for friends and family will begin at 12:30 pm. His body will be later transferred to Pensacola, Florida, where he will be buried with full Military honors at Barrancas National Cemetery, onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola, on Friday, Sep 9, 2016 at 2:00 pm In lieu of flowers it is recommended that friends make contributions to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.
28 Responses
Dear Barry, my soulmate and friend,
I will miss you always in ALL ways.
May you rest in peace and know that I will hold you in my heart from now until we meet again.
Your devoted wife,
Molly
Dear Barry, my soulmate and friend,
I will miss you always in ALL ways.
May you rest in peace and know that I will hold you in my heart from now until we meet again.
Your devoted wife,
Molly
Keeping your family in our hearts and prayers.
Love, Dave and Sue
Keeping your family in our hearts and prayers.
Love, Dave and Sue
Just thinking of you two yesterday!
There are no words~
Just know that you are in my prayers
With love, Virginia
Just thinking of you two yesterday!
There are no words~
Just know that you are in my prayers
With love, Virginia
Molly, our deepest condolences. Barry and I were diagnosed at the same time. I remember at work we used to talked about our Chemo Therapy treatments, although we both were going through unpleasant experience, Barry never lost his sense of humor. Mentally and emotionally he was tough and a fighter. I still remember the day we sow each other out side the M D Anderson in Houston. He sure put up a good fight like a fearless worrier.
Pat and Alex Afshin
Molly, our deepest condolences. Barry and I were diagnosed at the same time. I remember at work we used to talked about our Chemo Therapy treatments, although we both were going through unpleasant experience, Barry never lost his sense of humor. Mentally and emotionally he was tough and a fighter. I still remember the day we sow each other out side the M D Anderson in Houston. He sure put up a good fight like a fearless worrier.
Pat and Alex Afshin
My brother-in -law was an inspiration and amazing soul. Love to you Barry.
My brother-in -law was an inspiration and amazing soul. Love to you Barry.
Molly & Family-
It is with great sadness I write this to you. My brother, Rich Roland has kept us informed of Barry’s determination ,love for life and his family that kept him going.Now he is in a better place and someday we will meet again.
We grew up as childhood friends(a bit like brothers and sisters) and have many memories of the days in Chenango Bridge.The sand pile, tree forts,swimming pool parties and much more.
What great fun we had- sometimes at the dismay of our parents. The Rolands- Rich, Paddi & me and the Kelly boys!
My wish for you,Molly, is that you will find comfort from your friends and family in the days ahead. Hugs to all!
Love, Kathy Roland Lowery
Molly & Family-
It is with great sadness I write this to you. My brother, Rich Roland has kept us informed of Barry’s determination ,love for life and his family that kept him going.Now he is in a better place and someday we will meet again.
We grew up as childhood friends(a bit like brothers and sisters) and have many memories of the days in Chenango Bridge.The sand pile, tree forts,swimming pool parties and much more.
What great fun we had- sometimes at the dismay of our parents. The Rolands- Rich, Paddi & me and the Kelly boys!
My wish for you,Molly, is that you will find comfort from your friends and family in the days ahead. Hugs to all!
Love, Kathy Roland Lowery
We have known Molly and Barry for only a few years but every time we had the pleasure of meeting Barry, he was always in good spirits. He also truly enjoyed their dogs, Skye Blue and Ranger. Prayers go out to Barry’s family and especially to his Molly, the most devoted and loving wife, who took excellent care of him to the very end.
Thoughts are with you.
We have known Molly and Barry for only a few years but every time we had the pleasure of meeting Barry, he was always in good spirits. He also truly enjoyed their dogs, Skye Blue and Ranger. Prayers go out to Barry’s family and especially to his Molly, the most devoted and loving wife, who took excellent care of him to the very end.
Thoughts are with you.
Molly,
We were puzzled by the posts on facebook and now have closure..We are sorry we didn’t get to see you two on your trips to Colorado. We treasure our visit that we had in Oshkosh. Our prayers are with
you and hope the best for Alex and Phillip. Keep in touch and hope to hear from you later.
Molly,
We were puzzled by the posts on facebook and now have closure..We are sorry we didn’t get to see you two on your trips to Colorado. We treasure our visit that we had in Oshkosh. Our prayers are with
you and hope the best for Alex and Phillip. Keep in touch and hope to hear from you later.
The Bakers are so sorry to hear of Barry’s passing. Although we have never met Molly, we know that Barry found a jewel when he met and married you. We had pretty much lost contact when Barry left Virginia Beach but had communicated some over the last year and knew of his courageous fight. When we were both back at the Naval Academy in the early 80’s Barry and I were close and came to be known as Yogi (Barry) and BooBoo (Me) by the Midshipmen. We spent a lot of time together – he was like my second brother and was our son’s Godfather. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family – Jeff, Joan, Jennifer and Matthew.
The Bakers are so sorry to hear of Barry’s passing. Although we have never met Molly, we know that Barry found a jewel when he met and married you. We had pretty much lost contact when Barry left Virginia Beach but had communicated some over the last year and knew of his courageous fight. When we were both back at the Naval Academy in the early 80’s Barry and I were close and came to be known as Yogi (Barry) and BooBoo (Me) by the Midshipmen. We spent a lot of time together – he was like my second brother and was our son’s Godfather. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family – Jeff, Joan, Jennifer and Matthew.
Molly I know you were very Happy with Barry. I remember when you first met. It is never easy when a loved one passes on. Sending you love and light. Be kind to yourself. Love Theresa
Molly I know you were very Happy with Barry. I remember when you first met. It is never easy when a loved one passes on. Sending you love and light. Be kind to yourself. Love Theresa
I have not seen Barry for a long time. We went to High School together and lived 3 houses away. Seems he always beat me in games.(chess, cards, pool, board games)
I was very shocked to see this obituary. I am very sorry for everyone’s loss, especially his family, my condolences.
I have not seen Barry for a long time. We went to High School together and lived 3 houses away. Seems he always beat me in games.(chess, cards, pool, board games)
I was very shocked to see this obituary. I am very sorry for everyone’s loss, especially his family, my condolences.
As I remember our careers in the Navy, Barry will always have chapter in it. We shared ups and downs but always reflected on the best of times. As the Irish proverb states: “There are good ships and wood ships, there are ships that sail the seven sea, but the best ships are FRIENDSHIPS, may they never be. I will miss you friend.
As I remember our careers in the Navy, Barry will always have chapter in it. We shared ups and downs but always reflected on the best of times. As the Irish proverb states: “There are good ships and wood ships, there are ships that sail the seven sea, but the best ships are FRIENDSHIPS, may they never be. I will miss you friend.
My sympathy to you and yours.
My sympathy to you and yours.
Barry will be missed for his his devotion to his family and friends, aviation, and the Navy.
Haze grey and underway Barry.
Barry will be missed for his his devotion to his family and friends, aviation, and the Navy.
Haze grey and underway Barry.