Kermit Riddick Kelley, of Suffolk, died at home surrounded by his wife and family on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017. He was 96 years old.

He is survived by his wife, Frances H. Kelley, one sister, Jean K. Norris, of Arlington, and five children: Alan Kelley and wife, Holly, of Santa Rosa, Calif.; Michael Kelley, of Fort Worth, Texas; Carol Kelley, of Chesterfield; Martha Jean Saunders, of Raleigh, N.C.; and Kathy McClure, of Asheville, N.C. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Mr. Kelley was born in Suffolk and graduated from Suffolk High School. He went on to graduate from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and received a commission of second lieutenant from the ROTC. He was inducted into the armed services and served in World War II in Northern Africa and Italy. He was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. He held the rank of major at the time of his honorable discharge.

After the war, he earned his accounting degree from William and Mary. He was employed by Haskins and Sells, a national accounting firm in Baltimore, Md., before returning to Suffolk to care for his mother during her final illness.

He was well known as the owner of Kelley Furniture Company. He served on the City Council of Suffolk and was elected mayor during his tenure. He was vice president of the American Bank and Trust Company, after which he took a position as a civilian comptroller and retired as a deputy comptroller of the U.S. Army. After a period of retirement, he and his wife returned to Suffolk.

He was deeply involved in his community and served with enthusiasm in various civic organizations, holding office in most of them. He was a member of the American Legion and at various times of the Rotary, the Jaycees, Kiwanis and the Fraternal Order of the Elks.

Mr. Kelley was a committed churchman and volunteered his time and talents to the church wherever he lived. He served in many areas but especially contributed much time toward helping to keep his church’s finances in order.

He loved to spend his free time enjoying the beach. He gave generously of his time in assisting friends and family in financial and fiscal matters, preparing tax returns and generally assisting those who sought his help. His family and friends will sorely miss his upbeat attitude and joyous interest in living.

The funeral will be at the Main Street United Methodist Church on Friday, Feb. 3, at 3 p.m. with the Rev. Myrtle Hatcher, pastor, conducting the service. A reception will follow at the church.

Friends and family are cordially invited to gather at the home of Marshall and Sharon Upright after the service and reception.

Interment will be private with the family.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Condolences may be offered at www.RWBakerFH.com.