Henry L. Kelley passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2024. He was a native of NewportNews and after retiring, moved to Toano (Chickahominy Haven). After graduating from North Carolina State in 1959, he worked for NASA-Langley, a career move a span of 40 years as an Aeronautical Research Engineer in helicopters and vertical take-off and landing aircraft. Following retirement, he became a consultant in helicopter aerodynamics and flying qualities until he again retired in 2019. Henry was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church of Newport News and served in many capacities. He was also involved in many professional and civic organizations.
Preceding him in rest was his wife, Louise Easley Kelley; parents, Benjamin James andKatherine Hynson Kelley; and sister, Louise Kelley. Surviving members of his family include his children, Leland Kelley, Marie Kelley (David Plamondon), Billy Kelley (Susan), and Ben Kelley (Jamie); grandchildren, Sierra, Braden, Johnathon, Savannah, Carson, Alex, and Carly; great- granddaughters, Ella Louise and Molly Sue; sisters, Mary Ann Foster and Betty Waite McCall; and numerous extended family members.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 17 th at 1:00 p.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home. A service celebrating the life of Henry will follow at 2:00 p.m. Entombment will be in Peninsula Memorial Park following the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the James City-Bruton Volunteer First Dept., Toano, Va. 23168, https://donorbox.org/jcbvfd-75-year-celebration-1948-2023.
Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, Va. 23601.
4 Comments
I hit the jackpot when I married Billy and I was blessed to have the best in-laws. Henry treated me with kindness and love and I will miss him very much.
Henry was a wonderful coworker and friend. Henry made working at NASA a lot of fun. What a great man!
Henry was a mentor and good friend when we worked together at NASA. We were office mates for several years. After he retired, everyday I missed his hearty laugh and good advice. Henry and Louise were very welcoming and gracious to me when I moved far from home to start work at NASA. He will be greatly missed. Deepest sympathy to all the family.
I worked with Henry at NASA for several years. He could always make me laugh and made work fun. He was truly one of the good guys. My condolences to the family.