James Ray Franklin Kelley |
| Posted 2026-02-21 by mhenderson |
| Published by The Miner on Feb. 17, 2026 - Kingman, Arizona - James Ray Franklin Kelley passed away on Nov. 28, 2025, at the Lingenfelter Center for Alzheimer's in Kingman, Arizona. He was 82 years old and had been a resident of the center for fourteen months. Ray was born on July 10, 1943, in Dothan, Alabama, to JD and Willowdean Kelley. He graduated from Dothan, High School, and entered the United States Navy in 1961, serving honorably until his discharge in 1964. On October 19,1963 Ray married Jo Ann Diamond of California. They settled in Torrence, California where they raised their six children and shared 44 years of marriage, until Jo Ann's passing on April 12, 2007. Ray later married Fay Hardy on Jan. 10, 2009, in Kingman, Arizona. Ray was a Master mechanic whose career reflected both exceptional skill and a passion for teaching. He worked for several automotive companies, before joining Volvo as a North American district technician, where he solved complex mechanical problems and trained others on emerging technologies. He later held a similar role with Peugeot, traveling throughout the United States and Europe to troubleshoot and instruct. Ray eventually became an automotive instructor at Los Angeles Trade Technical College, from which he retired. Ray and Fay enjoyed traveling together each year from May through October, sightseeing and visiting family and friends in Alabama, Florida, and New England, especially the Boston, Massachusetts area. Fay's hobby of decorating and furnishing miniature dollhouses and room boxes became a shared interest, as Ray soon discovered a talent of his own. He built dollhouses, and miniature structures such as a general store, one room schoolhouse, pottery shed, etc. He learned to electrify them, wallpaper, paint, and even create stained glass doors and windows. One of his favorite projects was building a detailed garage complete with gas pumps for his son John, who shared Ray's lifelong love of automobiles. Ray was also a lover of music and enjoyed many genres-often heard playing music while he whistled along. His greatest passion, however, was in cars and trucks. He could refurbish an old automobile; he could identify nearly any vehicle by make, model and year and explain its strengths and flaws. He especially enjoyed attending auto shows, particularly with his son John, and would seek them out even while traveling. Ray was a quiet, respectful, honest, and dependable man. Everyone who met him admired and loved him. He was deeply devoted to his family and shared a special bond with his son John, rooted in mutual respect and shared interests. Ray was a loving father, husband, and friend. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Faye White of Headland, Al and Sheila Enfinger of Columbia, Alabama; his first wife, Jo Ann Kelley; his son Jay Kelley; and his stepson Alton Tobey of Kingman, Arizona. He is survived by his wife, Fay Hardy Kelley of Kingman, his sons John (Christina) Kelley of Torrence, California and his grandchildren from John; Julia, Joseph, and Jesse Kelley all of Torrence; his son Jeff (Christina) Kelley, of Rathdrum, Idaho; daughters Judy, Jill and Joyce; and his step children Ron (Susan) Linn of Marco Island, Florida; Jeffrey Duford of Salisbury, Massachusetts; Carol (Craig) Schritter of Kingman, Arizona; and Stacey (Michael) Wood of Kensington, New Hampshire. He is also survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren. The family extends heartfelt thanks to The Lingenfelter Center for Alzheimer's, for the compassionate care, kindness, and support shown to Ray and his loved ones. The doctors, nurses, and entire staff were a constant comfort to both Ray and his family. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made to The Lingenfelter Center for Alzheimer's. A small memorial service for close family members will be held at a later date. |
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