Keith E. Kelly

Keith E. Kelly is the eldest son of Morris E. Kelly and Donna Reed-Kelly. Keith passed away on November 25, 2022, in California. 

Keith was the first grandchild in the Reed family. He shares his birthday with his uncle Joseph Reed. His first name was chosen by his paternal grandmother, Christine Kelly. grandfather "Papa Reed" gave Keith the nickname "The Duke", meaning in charge, “AKA Duggie". 

Gramma Reed put a book in Keith's hands before he could even read. He would sit on the sofa with the book upside down reading to himself. Before Gramma Reeds untimely death, she was planning to enroll Keith in Montessori preschool. That coming summer Gramma Reed was taking Keith home to meet her family, his great grandmother, Grace and great grandfather, Joseph. When recently told about his childhood trip to visit his great grandparents Keith's comment was "That would have been a sight". 

The Kelly Family lived on Gantenbein Avenue in the Reed's family home with a big side yard, a pear tree, two cherry trees and some black berries. The best part was the tree house where his uncle Joseph played with friends. When growing up Keith would play in it with his brothers Marcus Kelly and Stephen Kelly and all the boys from the neighborhood. Keith loved spending time with his maternal grandfather "Papa Reed". "Grandpa Kelly was paying me to catch his fishing worms". "I never forgot the first time I got paid and how good it felt to work and get paid". Keith enjoyed fishing with his dad and visiting the House of Style barber shop on MLK. He loved music of all genres. Keith was an excellent self-taught cook and would welcome everyone to the table. 

Keith started his education at Immaculate Heart School in North Portland along with his two brothers Marcus and Stephen. Keith was an avid reader and well versed in a broad range of subjects. Keith was an exceptional student and athlete standing at 6'2". His high school junior year he played varsity basketball. His senior year he was one of the top players in Oregon and received a basketball scholarship. After graduating from high school Keith moved to California. 

A few friends followed and joined him to live in California. 

A special thank you to his very best friend, J.P (James Perry) and the Georgia Perry family; Pastor Renee Ward, our family loved her story about Keith in grade school at Immaculate Heart School about him "holding one guy in a headlock while taking care of two other guys"; friends Angie Hill, McKinley, Allen Wilson, and those who traveled from out of state to attend Keith's  memorial service held at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in North Portland. 

Keith will be missed by his brother, Marcus Kelly and sister in-law, Ella Rose; Keiths youngest brother, Stephen Kelly; and the children of Stephen, niece Sydney; nephew, Tobias; as well as the Reed family members and the Kelly family members. 

Keith rests in peace with the Reed Family at Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery in Portland, Oregon. 

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