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Gross Funeral Home
120 Wrights Lane
Hot Springs,
AR
71913
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Memories & Candles
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“It has been such a joy to know Ron Kelly. I first met him as a student in his music classes and Summer Chorus. He gave a reticent and shy girl the...Read More »
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1 of 18 | Posted by: Laura Sanders Gill - Alton, IL
“i really so sorry for what happen to him he was a wonderful men and he always will be in my hearth
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2 of 18 | Posted by: alejandra sanchez - hot springs, AR
“I had Mr Kelly for a music teacher for music in 1970 and 1971. He was a wonderful teacher and was very popular with all the kids in school. He always...Read More »
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3 of 18 | Posted by: Susan Scheibe Eddsall - Alton, IL
“Jim, you and Ron have never been far from my thoughts. He was one of the best teachers ever. His care and compassion for students, and for people in...Read More »
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4 of 18 | Posted by: Jeff (Willis) Owen - Godfrey, IL
“I am so sorry for your loss, mr. kelly taught me how to play the piano , years ago, and I,ll always cherish the memories. may god bless him!
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5 of 18 | Posted by: molly sutton - alton, IL
“My love and prayers are with the family and friendship circle of Ron Kelly. I can't imagine how many lives this dear man has touched. I worked with...Read More »
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6 of 18 | Posted by: Sarah Lee (Close) McCreary - IL
“What a great guy he was and will be greatly missed. Carolyn you will be in our prayers.
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7 of 18 | Posted by: Al and Sharon Gloria
“Carolyn, just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you and your family.
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8 of 18 | Posted by: Loretta Anderson Mullican - SC
“I was truly happy to see Ron once again, at the Summer Chorus Reunion in Alton. He will always have a special place in my heart. My
sincere...Read More »
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9 of 18 | Posted by: Pam Ready - Alton, IL
“I have thought so many times of Ronnie and have wondered where he was. Lots of fun memories of times we shared are still with me.
I am thinking of...Read More »
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10 of 18 | Posted by: Betty Carol Morgan Pace - TX
“Ron and I were friends teaching at Alton High School in the late 60's and early 70's. We had great fun together taking kids on field trips, talking,...Read More »
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11 of 18 | Posted by: Elizabeth Glen Giszczak - MI
“I have known Ron since he came to Alton for employment. We both attended Calvary Baptist Church in Alton, and I remember his great smile and his love...Read More »
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12 of 18 | Posted by: Ann (Nitsche) Huebner - Alton, IL
“Mr. Kelly was my piano teacher when I was in Hight School. He helped me a lot as I was having problems with depression. I loved going to his house,...Read More »
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13 of 18 | Posted by: Elaine Rynders - Alton, IL
“I had Mr. Kelly as a chorus instructor his first year in Alton and I was in 9th grade at East Jr. High. He brought life to music like no other. May...Read More »
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14 of 18 | Posted by: Susan (Garner) Kinsella - IL
“Ron did a lot of terrific things for our little community of Alton. He provided countless opportunities for musical and spiritual growth to so many...Read More »
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15 of 18 | Posted by: Brad Wilcox
“Mr. Kelly was a wonderful teacher and friend. He will be missed by his former students
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16 of 18 | Posted by: LISA CHRISTENSEN OLSEN - Columbia, MO
“I sang in Rejoice in the 80's. I had to "try out" for it and know I had a not so good singing ability but Ron let me join anyway. It was most...Read More »
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17 of 18 | Posted by: Ashley Hise-Flaherty - Alton, IL
“I was in summer chorus in Alton in 1984 and 85. It was truly an honor to be in one of his productions. Mr. Kelly was a wonderful man. I am so sorry...Read More »
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18 of 18 | Posted by: Dawn Bickerstaff - hope, AR
Ronald D. Kelly of Hot Springs left his mortal body peacefully in a local hospital to be with Jesus eternally, Monday, November 16, 2009. He is survived by his sister Caralyn Verble and brother-in-law David Verble of Hot Springs, two nephews Mike Verble of Brentwood, TN, Kelly Verble and his wife Joan of Hot Springs and niece Beth Gieringer and her husband David of Little Rock. Five great nieces Cara and Kimber Gieringer, Ashton & Kelsey Verble and Kristi Verble. Two great nephews Braedon Verble of Brentwood, TN & Joshoa Gieringer; His legally adopted son Jim Bullard and daughter-in-law Linda Bullard, 4 grandchildren Jamie (Bullard) Huisman and her husband Cody, Taylor Bullard, Jolie Bullard and Tanner Bullard all of Hot Springs; and countless friends all over the world, especially Alton, Illinois and Hamamatsu, Japan.
Ron was born February 13, 1936 to Dr. Claude Kelly and Altha Orr Kelly and grew up in Hot Springs where his gift in music as pianist and entertainer began to blossom at an early age. He graduated from Hot Springs high in 1954 and joined the Navy and was a member of the Navy School of Music. He returned to Arkansas in 1958 and attended Ouachita Baptist University where he earned a degree in Music. He took a job as high school choral director in Alton, Illinois where he served for 30 years. He was very involved in that community, directing church choirs, Summer Musicals with area youth and directing various music groups. In 1989 Ron moved to Hamamatsu, Japan where he taught conversational English and received the prestigious teacher of the decade award from Interac International and made countless friends. He returned to Hot Springs in 2000 to work with his alma mater (OBU) as international recruiter. He was instrumental in starting Friendship International, that continues to meet each Monday at local churches. He was involved with the Leadership Hot Springs through Chamber of Commerce. He shared his gift of music at Central Baptist Church, Grand Avenue Methodist Church and most recently at First Christian Church. Ron thoroughly enjoyed an exciting life and being around and entertaining people, traveling this great country with great admiration and knowledge of it’s history and beauty. Each summer he would take a van full of people (mostly students) on a “summer trip” a full month of traveling the US. He constantly had people (especially young people) in his home to eat, play games and generally have a great time. He hosted foreign exchange students from Germany, Chech Republic, Thailand, Japan and other countries. He always shared his faith in Jesus Christ and to his last day was telling others of the hope and salvation that is available to all who would believe in and call on the name of Jesus Christ. He will be missed by us all.
A memorial service will be held at Central Baptist Church on Monday, November 23, 2009 at 2pm.
Arrangements are by Gross Funeral Home. Guest register at www.grossfuneralhome.com
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