Emmett Norman Kelly

Mr. Emmett Norman Kelly, age 81, of Ocean Springs, MS., died Monday, October 31, 2011, in Ocean Springs. Mr. Kelly was a native of Simpson County, MS., and a resident of the coast for over 40 years. He was a 21 year Veteran of the U.S. Army serving a tour in Vietnam and received 2 Bronze Stars for Valor. He loved his family especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing and the 21 years he worked for Ingalls Shipbuilding and was of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carsey Phillips and Annie K. Carroll, sister, Juanita Zelpher and brother, Eugene Phillips. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Peggy J. Kelly of Ocean Springs, daughter, Sharron "Sherie" Dianne Keen of Gulf Breeze, FL., son, James Norman (Sharon) Kelly of Ocean Springs, sisters, Mary Higdon of Brandon, MS., Betty Hammons of Hopewell, MS., Patricia Beasley of Gautier, MS., and Glenda (Ronnie) Lamey of Gautier, MS., brother, Jay (Brenda) Phillips of Dacula, GA., three grandchildren, Jennifer Danielle Noble, Lyndsay Courtney Keen and Erin Christine Barksdale and seven great-grandchildren. Visitation will be on Thursday, November 3, 2011, from 9 am until 11 am, with an 11 am chapel service, all at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home. Burial will follow at 12:30 pm in Biloxi National Cemetery with US Army Honors. In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials be made to the American Cancer Society, 417 Security Square, Gulfport, MS., 39507.