Robert John Kelly, Jr.

February 17, 2015
Robert John Kelly, Jr.


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Robert John Kelly Jr., 49, beloved son of the late Robert John Kelly, Sr., and Norma Kelly, died suddenly on Tuesday February 17, 2015 at his home in Wilmington.

John was a commercial fisherman who lived to fish. Some of his happiest moments were spent aboard his boat, Strictly Business, in the Atlantic Ocean off Wrightsville Beach. His son, Robert John Kelly III, age 13, was the light of his life.

Surviving to cherish his memory are his mother, Norma Kelly of Wilmington, son Robert of Wilmington, and sisters, Angela Kanter of Sarasota, Fla., and Deborah Kelly of Richmond, Va.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015 at the Wilmington Funeral Chapel followed immediately by a celebration of life officiated by Rev. Robert Keats. Interment will be held at 1: 00 PM Monday, February 23, 2015 at Oleander Memorial Gardens on Bradley Drive.
A special thanks to all his fishing and Facebook friends who hold him in their hearts.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to College Acres Baptist Church in Wilmington.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099


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  • February 20, 2015
    Anita Lancaster Carlson says:
    I am so sorry to hear about John's passing. I went to high school with John and he always had that big smile and was so much fun to be around. His family is in my thoughts and prayers. f

  • February 20, 2015
    Kelly Beck Ihinger says:
    he will be missed John. Norma, Deborah and Angela I'm praying for strength for you. They were right some of best times were out there in the ocean fishing the other times were cooking out in the backyard with our families .Glad I had the time that I did have with him and his family.

  • February 21, 2015
    Jerry Roney says:
    Mrs. Kelly.....I'm sorry for your loss....I didn't know John, but my son is Jeff Porter..he's missing a good friend and fishing companion....again, my sympathy for you and your family......Jerry Porter Roney

  • March 28, 2018
    Maureen Ann Enstice says:
    Norma and Family, I am so very sorry for your deepest loss of John. I have numerous memories of young John at the old Summer Sands. I see Bob on his photo. So very sorry.