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William Michael Kelley, lovingly known as Mike, was born to William C. and Margarette Kelley in Texarkana, Arkansas, on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1948. He passed away on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Mike was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 43 years, Della Ruth Kelley. He is survived by his wife, Vicki Walters Kelley; his oldest son, Jason, and wife, Jessica, and their children Emily, Jordan, Landon, Hannah, Avalee, and Mia; his son, Jered, and wife, Jeannette, and their children Dylan, Jaxon, and Delilah; and his daughter, Jamie Foster, and husband, Eric, and their children Kaitlyn and Ethan. He is also survived by two stepsons, Michael and Travis, and grandson Colt; three great-grandchildren, Peter, Jesslyn, and Noa; his younger brother, Pat Kelley; and mother-in-law, Barbara Long Walters; and his faithful puppy, Pepper. Mike graduated from North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas) in 1971 with a degree in Psychology. A devout Christian, he was known for his unwavering optimism, quick wit, and the joy he brought to those around him. Mike worked in sales before retiring in 2014, where he reminisced selling some of his favorites such as Community Coffee, Keebler, Chef Boyardee, Dannon, and Kool-Aid—even dressing as the Kool-Aid Man for promotions. Mike was instantly recognizable by his colorful socks, silly hats, and graphic T-shirts. He took pride in knowing the best routes to get anywhere in DFW and never missed a chance to remind others of upcoming holidays—because, to Mike, every day was worth celebrating. His favorite verse, Psalm 118:24, reflected how he lived his life: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” A visitation for Mike will be held Monday, August 18, 2025, at Slay Memorial Funeral Center, Aubrey, TX, from 6:00PM to 7:30PM. Graveside service is Tuesday August 19, 2025, at Old Celina Cemetery at 10:00AM with a celebration of life following at 12:00PM at Woodlake Baptist Church, 2015 E. Peters Colony Rd, Carrollton, TX. Officiants are David Kautt and Rob Lane. Online condolences may be shared at www.slaymemorialfuneralhome.com Arrangements are under the direction of Terri Slay and Slay Memorial Funeral Center.

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Mr. William Michael Kelley

November 25, 1948 - August 13, 2025