Johnny Lee Kelly, age 81, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on March 27, 2026, at DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

A native of Bacon County, Johnny was born on March 8, 1945, to the late Oliver Lee Kelly and Dorothy L. Taylor Kelly. A proud 1963 graduate of Bacon County High School, he went on to honorably serve his country as a veteran of the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

Johnny was a man of many talents and an industrious entrepreneur. Over the years, he owned and operated Pyramid Plumbing, Kelly Home Builders, and Kelsu Contracting. Later in life, he traded in his tools for the automotive industry, operating Leesburg Motors in Leesburg, Alabama, until his retirement. While he held many titles throughout his career, he often remarked that his most important roles were those of a father and "Papa."

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Michael Lee Kelly; and his brothers, Roy D. Taylor and Charles A. Kelly.

His legacy of hard work and devotion lives on through his surviving family: children, Charles Kelly (Martha), Shaun Wooten (Miranda), and Michelle Kelly Landrum (Greg); 8 beloved grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation on April 7, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Crosby Funeral Home. A private graveside service will follow at Big Creek Cemetery.