Clifton C. Kelly

Clifton C. Kelly, 87, died Tuesday, April 9, 2013, in Plano, TX. Visitation will be on Friday evening from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Home in Pampa, TX. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at First Baptist Church of White Deer, TX, with Rev. Alan Wilson, pastor, and Rev. Jim Shamburger, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Victoria, officiating. Burial will be at White Deer Cemetery by Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors of Pampa. C. C. was born October 26, 1925, in Pilot Point, Texas. He graduated from Sanger High School in Sanger, TX, and then served in the United States Navy in the V-12 Naval Program, subsequently earning his BBA degree from University of North Texas. He was a member of First Baptist Church of White Deer and was a deacon for more than 60 years. He was honored as Deacon Emeritus in 2012. He was elected as Texas Baptist Brotherhood President twice in 1959 and in 1960, and he also served on the Texas Baptist Missions Foundation Board since 1996. He served as a Trustee at Wayland Baptist University for 20 years, and he was passionate about funding several endowed scholarships for deserving students, especially those from White Deer. He worked for Dorchester Oil and Gas as an accountant and an ?unofficial chemist? from 1948-1968, when he ?retired? to full-time farming, which was his true passion. He was an avid golfer, highlighted by hitting a ?hole in one,? shooting his age, and attending the Master?s Golf Tournament. He was also known for his love of playing golf with yellow golf balls, his enclosed golf cart (for winter golfing!) and wearing his green jacket, which he teased that he won from Tiger Woods. Deeply beloved by all who knew him, his kind and gentle spirit made everyone feel cared for and valued. C.C. had a true servant's heart and put his church, family and loved ones before himself every day. Those who knew him were always touched by his generosity, compassion and unwavering faith in the Lord.He was preceded in death in 2004 by his loving wife of 56 years, Shirley Evans Kelly. They are finally hand-in-hand again and probably enjoying some of Shirley?s heavenly banana bread! He was also preceded by his parents, Agnes Cordelia Autry Kelly and Delma Franklin Kelly; his sister, Aldena Stowe Gregory; his brothers, Quinton Kelly, Foy Kelly and his twin brother, Clifford D Kelly.Survivors include his son, Frank Evans Kelly and wife, Carolyn, of Slidell, LA; his daughter, Kimberly Kelly Davison and husband, Steve of McKinney, TX; his four grandchildren, Scott Kelly and wife Mandi of Chalmette, LA, Kyle Kelly and wife, Beth, of Slidell, LA, Jennifer McCrady and husband Ryan, of Frisco, TX and Jonathan Russell, of Sun Prairie, WI; his two great-granddaughters, Elizabeth Grace Kelly of Slidell, LA and Molly Noelle McCrady of Frisco, TX; his three great-grandsons, Ian Alexander Kelly of Slidell, LA, and Nate and Keagon Higdon of Chalmette, LA; as well as Shirley?s family and many dear nieces, nephews and friends that were as close as family. He is also survived by one brother, Archie Ray Kelly of Rockwall, TX. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 337, White Deer, TX 79097.