Steve Kelley

Steve Kelley, 68, of Fernandina Beach passed away Thursday morning, September 9th, 2021, surrounded by his family.

Steve was born in Pontiac, MI, the son of the late Reverend Ralph and Martha Kelley.

Steve and his family moved to Fernandina Beach from Jacksonville, FL in 1966. He was a member of the 1971 graduating class of Fernandina Beach High School and was of the Episcopal Faith. He served in the United States Air Force from 1972 to 1976, stationed at Beale Air Force Base in California.

Steve and his wife, Bernice, were the owners of Kelley Termite and Pest Control for more than thirty years. Steve, Bernice, and the company hosted a legendary annual Christmas party at the warehouse for many years where they collected toys for the organization Joy to the Children.

He was a member of the Amelia Lodge #47 of the Free and Accepted Masons for more than 25 years and was a 32nd degree Mason, a Shriner and a member of the Fernandina Beach Shrine Club, a founding member of the Fernandina Beach Optimist Club and served as governor of the North Florida District from 2000-2001, and an associate member of the Federated Republican Women of Nassau. He was also known for his work with the Lions Club, Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army, Nassau County Council on Aging, the Shriners Hospitals, Boy Scouts, and many more local organizations.

Steve was a past Chairman of the Republican Party of Nassau County and served as County Commissioner District Two for eight years (2010-2018), a role he served with distinction and dedication. Few candidates for local elected office (no matter the party affiliation or position) skipped a visit to the Kelley Warehouse for honest campaign advice.

He was preceded in death by his son, Donald Wallace; his parents, Reverend Ralph and Martha Kelley; his sister, Phyllis Pumphrey; and his nephew, Adam Kelley.

He leaves behind his wife, Bernice Wallace of Fernandina Beach, FL; son, Patrick Kelley of Fernandina Beach, FL; two daughters, Pamela Kelley of Fernandina Beach, FL and Amanda Cornelius (Larry) of St. Simons Island, GA; brother, Michael Kelley (Penny) of Fernandina Beach, FL; sister, Pat Gass (Billy) of Fernandina Beach, FL; two grandchildren, Madison and Katie Cornelius of St. Simons Island, GA; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive guests at 2:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 3:00 p.m., on Thursday, September 16th, at the River of Praise Worship Center located at 83410 St. Mark Drive in Yulee. Reverend Jackie Hayes will be officiating, and Masonic Rites and Military Honors will be rendered. There will be a reception following the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Donations can be made online at donate.lovetotherescue.org or through mail to the following address:

Shriners Hospitals for Children

Attn: Office of Development

In Memory of Steve Kelley

2900 N. Rocky Point Dr.

Tampa, FL 33607