On July 21, 1940 in Jefferson City, Tennessee, Kelly was born to Charles and Martha Lou (Caton) Smelcer. An only child, he spent his early years in Newport, TN., where maternal grandparents had relocated after the federal government created the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, taking area that had originally been settled by his ancestors, several generations before. In Newport, he loved the time spent at the huge log house that still had cannon balls imbedded in the logs from a Civil War Battle. The front porch overlooked a mountain that had been owned by his paternal family at one time.

Carpentry skills of his father brought the family to Monroe, MI, in the 1950’s, where he worked on bridge construction on the new freeways.

Kelly graduated in 1960 from Monroe High School where he excelled in sports and won several awards. After graduation he moved to Cleveland, Ohio where he worked at Macy’s in the men’s clothing department. He became quite an expert in high end men’s style and took pride in his appearance.

He was drafted into the Army in 1963 and was stationed at Fort Rucker AL. While in the army his pride in appearance carried over and he developed a reputation for shoes that were so shiny ‘you could see your face!’ He earned extra money to help support his family by shining shoes for fellow soldiers. After his discharge he brought his family back to Monroe.

He inherited his father’s carpentry skills and took great pride in the fact that he built two homes for his family.

He was preceded in death by his first-born son, Kelly Scott Smelcer and his second wife, Valerie.

He is survived by his children; Sean (Christine) Smelcer, Krista (Troy) Mitchell, Kenneth (Susanna) Smelcer, and Collin Smelcer. Three stepsons, Brent (Sherri) Hill, Brad (Beth) Hill & Ryan (Mandy) Hill. 17 grandchildren & 12 great grandchildren.

Memorial visitation will Tuesday, June 9, 2026 from 11 to 3 p.m. at Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., where military honors performed by VFW Post 1138 will start at 3 p.m. with a memorial service immediately following.

Memorial contributions are suggested to VFW Post 1138 Ritual Team.

Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.