Larry Thomas Kelley, 75, of Wallace, NC passed away Thursday, April 8th 2021 surrounded by his family. He was a dedicated pastor and follower of Jesus Christ for almost 40 years and is now in the presence of his Lord and savior.

Reverend Kelley, known to many as "Buddy," was born August 16th, 1945 in Duplin County. He was the son of the late J.W. "Fluff" and Annie Laura Kelley. He was predeceased by his brother, James Floyd Kelley and wife Nancy. Maternal grandparents Dewey and Margaret English and paternal grandparents Jim and Lacy Kelley who were all very prominent in his life.

Larry was a member of the Northeast PFWB Church for the majority of his life until the late 1990's when he joined the Wallace Pentecostal Holiness Church to persue his calling of ministering in the Pentecostal Holiness denomination. He was a charter member of Northeast Fire Department since 1968.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Betty Teachey Kelley; son, Richard Thomas Kelley and wife Teresa, Susan Kelley Rivenbark and husband Scottie, Maurice Wilton Kelley and wife Carol, all of Wallace; sister, Emily Kelley Carr and husband Billy of Wallace; grandchildren, Brandon Thomas Kelley and wife Sarah, Matthew Scott Rivenbark and wife Kaitlyn, Courtney Kelley Hollingsworth and husband Justin, Dylan Thomas Rivenbark and fiancé Sydney, Briley Wilton Kelley and Haley, Maggianna Teachey Rivenbark, Brianna Carol Kelley, Bralian Maurice Kelley; great grandchildren, Issac Thomas Kelley, Lydia James Kelley and Hayes Scott Rivenbark; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family as well as long time caregiver Roseann James.

Larry began his working career when he started Kelley Sand and Gravel in 1963. He shortly after started his own long distance trucking company and sawmill business where he worked faithfully until 1981. On January 25th, 1981 his whole life changed when he got saved and became a minister of the gospel. Soon after getting saved he began pastoring Beulah PFWB in Willard, NC where he continued to preach even after beginning at Heritage Bible College in Dunn, NC where he obtained his pastoral license. While pastor of Beulah Church, Larry accomplished many goals but his biggest was leading the purchase of a bigger church which was then renamed True Holiness PFWB. After his resignation in 1989, he became the full-time pastor of Oak Dale PFWB of Wallace, NC. Through his patient, faithful and untiring leadership, the church saw a growth in attendance allowing the church the opportunity to fellowship with neighboring churches. Even while pastoring full-time, Larry  long with  his two sons, Maurice and Ricky, were able to start a logging business known as Northeast Cape Fear Logging. In the mid 90's, Larry had the opportunity to pastor Springfield PFWB church where he was welcomed with open arms and remained there for 5 years.  After much soul searching and prayer, Larry accepted the call into what he referred to as "Foreign missions" which took him and Betty to Raleigh, NC where they stayed for more than 9 years pastoring Emmanuel Pentecostal Holiness Church.  After much prayer Larry and Betty decided it was time to retire and move back home to be able to spend more time with their family.  Through the years of pastoring, Larry made such an impact with his ministry he was often called to preach numerous homecomings and special occasions even after retiring. He was a man tall in stature but gentle in nature. He impacted every person he met and his loving spirit will dearly be missed.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Vidant Home Health and Hospice. Specifically, Lisa Blizzard, Kendall Boose and Frances Wilson.

Funeral service will be held at 12 Noon on Monday, April 12, 2021 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Waĺlace Chapel with Pastors Brandon Kelley and Buster Price officiating.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 am to 12 Noon, one hour prior the service on Monday at the funeral home.

Burial will follow at Pin Hook Cemetery following the funeral service.

Casketbearers will be Matthew Rivenbark, Dylan Rivenbark, Briley Kelley, Justin Hollingsworth, Dustin Watkins, Floyd Kelley, Justin Price and Tony Carr.

You may share your memories and send condolenced to the family by selecting our Tribute Wall above.

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home of Wallace.

l