Hubert "Meatball" Willie Kelly Sr., was born September 21, 1929, in Swainsboro, Georgia, to the late Gladys Anthony and James Kelly. He departed his earthly life on Friday, July 21, 2017.

Funeral service will be held at 12 noon, Saturday, July 29, 2017, at Union Baptist Church with family visitation an hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Oaklawn Memorial Gardens with full military honors.

"Meatball," as he was affectionately called, joined Piedmont Airlines in 1950 as a sweeper and cleaner. After enlisting and serving in the United States Army, he returned to Piedmont Airlines (US Air) to become the first Black mechanic. He retired in 1992 after 42 years of service, not missing a single day at work.

Hubert was a faithful member of Union Baptist Church for many years where he served as a Trustee and worked with the janitorial and maintenance service of the church. He also was the manager of the Laundry Mat on Martin L. King, Jr. Drive.

He was proud to be a Mason for many years in the Ionic Lodge 72 and Ralph R. Morgan American Legion Post #220. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, father-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend who achieved so much in life, he will be missed by all.

Hubert's memories will always be cherished by the first love of his life, his devoted wife of 63 years, Queen Victoria Kelly; six children, Vivian (Iverson) Surratt, Sr., Hubert (Leslie) Kelly, Jr., James, Terry, Kenneth Sr., LaSandra "San" Kelly; eight grandchildren raised in the home: Kennard Hatchett, Ivercina Surratt, Iverson Surratt, Jr., LaVonda Kelly, Kennetth Kelly, Jr, Miracle Wall, JaHaun Hobson, Kelly Click, many grands and great-grands; brothers, Leroy Anthony and Hampton (Sylvia) Kelly of Swainsboro, GA; sister, Ruby Norwood of Winston-Salem; sister-inlaw Marie (John) Thomas of Brooklyn, NY, Alberta Foy, Gardine Jackie Gwynn of the city, brother-in-law Thomas (Babe) Gwynn of the city; special nieces, Princess White Smith, Cynthia Skinner; devoted nephews, James White, Jr., Clyde J. Hayes and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and a very dear friend who was like a son, Rufus Smith.