James Wayne Kelly, age 84, of Franklin, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 26, 2026. He was born on August 20, 1941, in Greensburg, Pennsylvania.
Jim retired as Plant Manager from Teledyne Firth Sterling after many dedicated years of service. Following retirement, he treasured the time spent on his farm. He had a deep love for his Allis-Chalmers tractors and took great pride in restoring antique tractors, proudly exhibiting them at tractor shows and pulls. A skilled craftsman, Jim enjoyed woodworking, making knives, and creating antique furniture. He valued his many lifelong friendships and looked forward to hunting trips in Pennsylvania and Tennessee, time spent with his tractors, and gatherings with the Friday Lunch Bunch.
Above all, Jim’s beloved granddaughters were his heart and soul.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Lou Kelly; daughters, Beth (Keith) Burgess and Kathleen (Ron) Deese; granddaughters, Kelly Burgess Easterling (Hunter) and Carrie Deese; sisters, Janice (Kelly) Orczeck, Linda (Kelly) Clayton; and several cherished nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Oscar Kelly and Agnes (Bailey) Kelly; his brother, Charles Kelly; and his sister, Mary Lou (Kelly) German.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jim’s honor to your favorite charity.
Funeral Services Provided By
Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens, Funeral Home & Cremation Center – Nashville
9090 Highway 100, Nashville, TN 37221
For more obituaries visit our obituaries page.
This obituary was published by Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens, Funeral Home & Cremation Center – Nashville.
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