Richard Kelley: Husband, Veteran, Educator, Triathlete - RIP

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Richard Lynn Kelley
Richard Lynn (Dick) Kelley, 63, of Vinton, Va., completed his final triathlon on Wednesday, October 14, 2009. As he crossed the finish line his biggest fan "Sweets" cheered him on as he received the biggest, and grandest trophy of all time. He was preceded in death in July of this year by his father, Robert F. Kelley Sr. An Army veteran of the Vietnam War, Dick served for 11 years achieving the rank of Major before leaving the Army for a job with the Bedford School System and then later a job as Assistant Superintendant of Operations with the Roanoke City Public School System. In that position his job responsibility was to be the Superintendant's "right arm." He served in this capacity for 25 years before retiring in 2005. During his tenure he was responsible for the planning, renovation, and construction of 14 of the school buildings that the system now operates. Just last month he was recognized for his work at the dedication and ribbon cutting at the new William Fleming High School.Much has been written about his love of sports and his being an avid outdoorsman. These activities included participating in marathons, triathlons, skiing, running, biking, and hiking. In addition to these activities, he also worked to maintain a nature trail at Bobblett's Gap along the Appalachian Trial. His attention to detail was evidenced by his taking the time to identify the plants along the portion of the trail he maintained. He was also known to leave provisions at the Bobblett's Gap shelter for the comfort of those who would use the facility for rest as they hiked alo ng the trail.During the colder months when he couldn't spend time outdoors, he would spend his time working with his longtime hobby of model railroading. Anyone who has seen this display can attest to his amazing talent and attention to detail.Surviving are his wife of 31 years, Carol Kelley; children, Jack Eppard and wife, Melanie, of Rhome, Texas, Teresa Phillips, and Brad Eppard and wife, Debbie, of Raleigh, N.C.; mother, Eleanor Kelley, of San Diego, Calif.; grandchildren, Patricia "Tricia" Gangstad and husband, Erik, of Ft. Worth, Texas, Jessica Fay Eppard, and Ryanne Lynn Eppard, both of Raleigh, N.C.; brother, Robert F. Kelley Jr. and wife, Wendy, of San Bruno, Calif.; sisters, Marianne Roughley and husband, Robert, of Rochester, Mich., and Kathy Belo and husband, Diogo, of San Diego, Calif.; nieces and nephews; and devoted companion and family member, Max.The family requests that memorial gifts take the form of memorials to the YMCA of Roanoke Valley, 520 Church Avenue, SW, Roanoke, Va. 24016, the Ronald McDonald House, 2224 Jefferson Street, Roanoke, Va. 24014 or you may speak privately to Carol about making a gift to help a special family. The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2009, in the Community Room of the YMCA located at 520 Church Avenue. A celebration of Dick's life is planned for 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2009, at the Sunset Fields Overlook at milepost #78 on the Blue Ridge Parkway (about seven miles beyond the Peaks of Otter). Family and friends are encouraged to dress casually.Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home & Crematory, Roanoke, Va., 540-366-0707.