Robert Lindel Kelly, beloved son, brother, and man of faith, was born on October 11, 1941, in Lake City, Florida. He was raised in Lake City and graduated from Columbia High School in 1959.

Following high school, Robert proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1959 to 1963. He was part of the Strategic Air Command and worked on the flight line camera repair team while stationed in Savannah, Georgia.

After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Robert returned to Lake City and attended Lake City Community College, where he majored in Civil Engineering. He went on to build a career as a bridge inspector, working throughout Jacksonville and Lake City, Florida.

Above all else, Robert was a devoted and devout servant of Jesus Christ. He dedicated his life to the study of the Bible and to becoming a true disciple of Jesus. His faith was not only deeply personal but openly lived—he loved the Lord with his whole heart and earnestly sought to follow Christ's teachings in his daily life. Robert was always eager to share the Word with others and was quick to volunteer to pray at family gatherings. He was a strict and faithful keeper of the Sabbath, holding firmly to his convictions.

Guided by his faith, Robert later moved to Fort Payne, Alabama, with his brother, Mancil Kelly, to begin ministry work. His commitment to serving God and others remained central throughout his life.

Robert deeply loved his family. In the 1990s, he returned to Lake City to care for his mother, demonstrating his selflessness and devotion to those he loved.

Alongside his deep faith, Robert had a fun-loving personality. He spent many joyful hours playing with his nieces and nephews through the years and was known for his love of laughter and making others laugh.

Robert is survived by his loving sister, Judy Kelly Cole (Richard); his nephews, Ronnie Kelly (Debbie), Sid Clements, Jr., Christopher Clements (Carmen), Randy Kelly (Rosmel), and Reaves Cole (Melissa); his nieces, Kelly Hoffman (Paul) and Kristin Shokat (Max); and many great-nieces and great-nephews, along with family members and neighbors who adored him.

His favorite scripture was Galatians 2:20 (New King James Version): "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."

Robert Lindel Kelly will be remembered for his unwavering faith, gentle spirit, and steadfast commitment to God and family. His life stands as a testament to service, sacrifice, and devotion, and his legacy of faith will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A funeral service for Mr. Kelly will be conducted on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 3:00 P.M. in the Gateway-Forest Lawn Memorial Chapel with Mr. Dusty Markham officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are under the direction and care of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. US HWY 441, Lake City, FL, 32025, 386-752-1954. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.