Ronald Eugene Kelly

Ronald Eugene Kelly, Director of Living Water International (Adopt-a-Child), died unexpectedly of natural causes on Thursday evening, May 15th, at his home in Pace. Pat, his beloved wife of 49 years, was by his side. Ron was born in Pensacola, Florida on March 18, 1946, to Gilbert and Jewel Hodge-Kelly. He married his sweetheart, Patricia Ann Latner-Kelly, in Pensacola on June 25, 1966. He studied at Pensacola Technical High School, Georgia Tech and the University of Texas. Before entering full-time ministry he was an electrical engineer, specializing in computer integration. God gifted Ron with a brilliant mind, and he worked for organizations such as RCA, Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, and Southwest Research Institute. In 1981, he founded his own computer consulting business in Pensacola, but God had even bigger plans for him. In 1986, he and Pat began attending Liberty Bible College and subsequently became associate pastors at what is now North Ridge Church in Pensacola. Then, in 1991, after the death of the founder of Living Water in Guatemala, Ron and Pat were called to assume the role of Directors of that ministry. In 1995, they expanded the ministry to the former communist country of Albania. During their oversight of more than 19 years, the ministry experienced an astounding growth and expansion, touching a myriad of lives. His ministry impacted multiple generations, the effect of which is impossible to measure as it will persist for countless years to come. Ron is best described as a man who passionately loved God, his family and others: especially children. He was predeceased by his children, Stephanie, Stephen and Joseph (Joey). He is survived by his wife, Patricia, son David and daughter-in-law Courtnaye, daughter Rachel, son Paul and daughter-in-law Michelle, and five grandchildren—Victoria (Tori), Jade, Carson, Lily and Lucy. He is also survived by his brother, Ed Kelly, and sisters, Linda Smith and Kathy Huey, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws. In addition to his biological family, Ron left behind a multitude of loved ones in Guatemala and Albania who lovingly refer to him as “Papa” and “Daddy,” Ron has spent countless years pouring his heart into bringing people to the Lord and, although we will miss him greatly, we will cherish the memories of him and he will live on in our hearts forever. Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held at Liberty Church, Blue Angel on Thursday, May 21, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Buford Lipscomb officiating. The service will be streamed live at libertychurchblueangel.churchonline.org. Interment will follow at Pensacola Memorial Gardens. FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME SOUTH, 100 Beverly Pkwy, is entrusted with arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.com MEMORIAL DONATIONS MAY BE MADE TO LIVING WATER INTERNATIONAL OR WWW.ADOPT-A-CHILD.COM

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Ronald Eugene Kelly

March 18, 1946 - May 15, 2015