Leland "Lee" Eugene Kelly, 76, of Shreveport, Louisiana, passed away on April 26, 2023, after a sudden recurrence of the cancer he so bravely battled in 2021.

Lee was born in Shreveport on November 13, 1946, to Murrell Eugene Kelly and Theresa McGullion Kelly. After graduating from Woodlawn High School in 1964, he proudly served in the United States Marine Corps until 1968, achieving the rank of Sergeant. Lee was a veteran of the Vietnam War.

Lee is survived by his wife of 54 years, Betty Lucille Turner Kelly; son Timothy Eugene Kelly; granddaughter Jaclyn Davis, her husband Chris Davis, and their son Wesley Davis; granddaughter Jennifer Oller and her husband Benjamin Oller; granddaughter Rebecca Petch, her husband Grant Petch, and their daughter Brittany Petch; brother Dan Kelly and his wife Julia Kelly; sisters Ramona Kelly, Mary Kendrick, and Martha Morris and her partner Nita Burcham; nieces Shannon Kelly, Kristen Brown, Meghan Kes, Tara Johnston, and Chelsea Alexander; many great-nieces, -nephews, cousins, and other relatives; and friends too numerous to count. He was preceded in death by his parents and his older son, Kevin Alan Kelly.

Lee was the best of the best who've ever graced this earth. He was as upstanding as a pine tree. As dependable as the summer sun. He was selfless, kind, and gentle. The hardest worker you've ever witnessed. And he never said a hurtful word about anyone. Lee was innately shy, yet he loved to surprise unsuspecting friends and family members--especially his nieces--with pranks and jokes, riddles and brain-teasers. He was generous with all he had, and he delighted in feeding others with both his joyous spirit and bountiful food from his garden. Tomatoes. Okra. Peas. Squash. And corn as sweet as springtime. He made everyone he loved feel special, yet he was the special one. Lee was a giant of a man who leaves an unfillable hole in our hearts.

"It is his nature, not his standing, that makes the good man." (Publilius Syrus)

A memorial service will be held on June 24, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Eppes Cemetery, 6532 Greenwood Road, Shreveport, Louisiana, 71119.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial donations be made to Eppes Cemetery. Checks can be made out to Eppes Cemetery, a non-profit corporation, and mailed in care of Dan Kelly, Eppes Treasurer, 241 Weecama, Ferriday, Louisiana 71334. All donations are tax deductible.