James Kelly

James Franklin Kelly, 81, of Bluffton, South Carolina, died peacefully on Tuesday morning at Hilton Head Hospital while receiving hospice care.

He was born in Lilesville, N.C. in 1940 and was the son of the late William Jennings Kelly and Minnie Grooms Kelly. A successful businessman, Mr. Kelly was a barber for more than 50 years. Beginning his career in Greenville, S.C. as a barber at the Style Corner barber shop, he eventually became a part-owner of the Barber Centre, where he worked until 2007. Mr. Kelly was passionate about politics and loved discussing issues concerning social justice. A life-long learner and avid reader, Mr. Kelly studied political philosophy, economics, and chess throughout his life. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and his dogs. “He will be remembered for his keen intelligence, strong work ethic, and generous spirit,” said his family. A veteran of the Air Force, Mr. Kelly earned the rank of Airman Second Class and worked as an air traffic controller before being honorably discharged in 1963.

Mr. Kelly was predeceased by his brothers Lloyd Brian Kelly and William Jack Kelly and his sisters Faye Elizabeth Collie and Thelma Louise Hooks. He is survived by his sister Barbara Kelly Herring. Mr. Kelly is survived, in addition, by his wife of 50 years, Mrs. Loveta Brown Kelly; their two children, Colleen Kelly Eubanks (Gary Eubanks) and Sean J. Kelly (Trisha M. Brady); and their three grandchildren, Katie Eubanks, Sophie Eubanks, and Gwyneth Anne Kelly.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 23, 2021 in Graceland East Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hilton Head Humane Association.