Dorsey Paul Kelley

Dorsey Paul Kelley, 89, a resident of Bridgeport, WV went to be with the Lord on Friday, February 3, 2023. He was born July 24, 1933 in Barbour County, WV. He was the son of the late Dorsey and Edna (Nestor) Kelley. Paul was united in marriage on January 5, 1952 to Jean Marsh who preceded him in death on September 8, 2021; they were blessed to have celebrated 69 years of marriage.

Surviving are his two devoted children: Jeff Kelley and wife Nancy and Tammy Hefner and husband Greg.

Also surviving are his five adoring grandchildren: Amber Gatewood and husband Mark, Ashley Workman and husband Evan, Megan Bobby and husband Brian, Matthew Hefner and fiancé Lisa Dillinger, and Amanda Sweet and husband Andrew.

He was also blessed with ten lively great grandchildren: Easton Workman, Ava Schultz, Brayden Bobby, Landon Bobby, Tucker Sweet, Archer Workman, Isaac Hefner, Harley Gatewood, Ashton Bobby, and Ayden Hefner.

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his brother Charles Homer Kelley (Betty), as well as foster brother Thomas Lewis (Jean).

Paul grew up in Valley Furnace, WV and attended Chestnut Grove and Nestorville one-room schools and graduated from Kasson High School in 1950. After marrying Jean, he left for Fort Bragg in September 1952 where he served in the army for two years as a receiving clerk then the reserves for another three years; he had the honor of playing “Taps” at the end of each day. Paul spent most of his career at Burroughs as a technician servicing computers and other machines. He was a member of Simpson Creek Baptist Church serving as a deacon and an usher for many years. Paul was also a member of the Masonic Late Lodge #63 in Bridgeport for over 60 years.

Paul’s pastimes were mostly centered around the farm where he grew up, especially gardening and canning. Throughout his life, he enjoyed hunting and trout fishing with family and special friends. He loved a good bargain at yard sales and auctions and attending cake walks and community socials with Jean. Paul was a Nascar fan and car enthusiast, and any time on the tractor or mower was time well spent. Many mornings he could be found at Hardee’s or McDonald’s having coffee with friends. Mostly, he loved family and the influx of great grandsons over the past few years.

He will be remembered for his endless energy, giving nature, and big smile.

Family and friends will be received at Simpson Creek Baptist Church 231 W Philadelphia Ave. Bridgeport, on Monday, February 6, from 5-8 pm and at Wright Funeral Home and Crematory 220 N Walnut St. Philippi, on Tuesday, February 7, from 12-2 pm. The funeral service will follow at 2 pm with Pastors Michael Hopkins and Sean Wegener officiating. Interment will follow at the New Hope Valley Church Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the New Hope Valley Cemetery Fund c/o Jeff Kelley 1888 Mountaineer Rd. Moatsville, WV 26405.