Mr. James Lester Kelly, affectionately known as "Bay Bay" or "Bear" by his friends and family, entered eternal rest on Saturday, July 1, 2023 surrounded by his family. Bay Bay was born on August 31, 1957 to the late Hubert W. Kelly, Sr. and Queen Victoria Kelly.

He began his spiritual journey at an early age, having been baptized at the Union Baptist Church by the late Dr. A. H. McDaniel.

Bay Bay was a proud 1976 graduate of Parkland Senior High School. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army just as his older brother and father before him. He was very proud of his military service which included commendations and an overseas tour of Alaska. James was honorably discharged in 1982 and returned to Winston-Salem. While in Winston-Salem, he held various jobs, last settling on the Brake Center until illness and disability forced him to retire.

James was preceded in death by his parents: Hubert W. and Queen V. Kelly; grandmothers, Gladys Anthony and Margaret Carruthers.

Bay Bay leaves to mourn his passing a devoted sister, Lasandra Kelly of the home in Winston-Salem, siblings: Vivian (Iverson) Surratt of Winston-Salem, Hubert (Leslie) Kelly, Jr. of Suitland, Maryland, Terry Kelly and Kenneth Kelly of Winston-Salem; a very special niece and great niece, LaVonda Kelly and Kelly Click; very special friend, Tonya Dawkins and family: Torez, Tyrell, Toya Dawkins; devoted friends, Delores LeeCost, Rufus Smith; and many other nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.


His life will be celebrated at 12:00 P.M. Saturday, July 8, 2023 at Roberts Funeral Service (Winston-Salem) with family visitation at 11:00 A.M. prior to the service. Public viewing will be held on Friday, July 7, 2023 from 1:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Interment will take place at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, July 10, 2023 at Salisbury National Cemetery, Salisbury, North Carolina.