Francis J. "Frank" Kelly

Francis J. "Frank" Kelly, 84, died July 4, 2017, after a brief hospital stay. He was a resident of Little Rock who was born on February 7, 1933, in Baltimore, Maryland, where he was raised by his mother, Margaret Ann and sister Charlotte. As a 17-year-old recruit, he joined the U.S. Air Force beginning service as a cook but quickly working to become a mechanic on B52s and Fighter Jets. He travelled throughout the world to sites he was unable to disclose because of government security. He was a dedicated and sincere patriot as a veteran of 20 years military service where he was a skilled disciplined servant to his country and known for his dedication to efficient and responsible performance of duties in any job to which he was assigned. As a civilian, he continued his spirit of patriotism and working in several jobs at the same time to provide for his children including baking, construction, and supervisor at the Stagecoach Inn, Kodak Company and ALLTEL. He was known for his zest for life, vibrant personality and enduring sense of humor. He was a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was proud of the accomplishments of his children and fond of his loyal dog, Roxy. He enjoyed the military reunions. He vacationed in Mexico, Canada, San Antonio and Turkey. He is survived by his wife, his daughters, Deborah Silagi, Marie Kelly and stepdaughter, Sharon Vire, his son, Michael Kelly. Frank has nine grandchildren, Heather Medina, Angela Alonzo, Jereme Carter, Jamie Carter, Julian Carter, Jarod Carter, Dallas Vire, Nicholas Vire and Rachel Vire and ten great grandchildren. Frank is predeceased by his namesake daughter, Frances Ann Kelly, his sister, Charlotte Thanner and his stepson, Mark Raney. Visitation will be Friday, July 7, from 6-8 p.m. and funeral services on Saturday, July 8, at 10 a.m., both at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills, 7724 Landers Road, North Little Rock. Burial with Full Military Honors will follow at Rest Hills Memorial Park. Online guestbook is available at www.griffinleggettresthills.com.