Thomas Clayton Kelley

Thomas Clayton Kelley passed away August 27, 2015 at home surrounded by his loving and supportive family. Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Bessie Kelley, his brother James Bailey, his brothers in law, George Sorrell and James Duckett, and his “brother from another mother” Tiny Nichols. Tom is survived by his wife Nancy Enfinger, children: Tammy Kelley Odom (Chris), Garrett Derkaz, and Preston Kelley, his sisters; Marie Duckett, and Judy Sorrell, his grandchildren: Christopher (Katrina), Cody, Mychael, Auburn, Karlie, and Parker. Two great grandchildren: Channing and Addison, His parents in law, Bobby and Frances Enfinger, his sisters in law; Lucy Adams (Nelson), Donna Cassel, and his brother in law Randy Enfinger. Nieces and nephews: Scotty, April, Kristan, Shaundra, Brittaney, Alyssa, Ryan, Halley, Allison, Austin, Kelsey. And his special friends, Richard Thomas and Wayne Shaw.      Tom had an amazing and colorful life. He began playing piano in clubs at the age of 10. He also played with Big Bands, Swing Bands, Rock and Roll Bands, and his favorite, Jazz and Blues. Tom grew up in the Birmingham area, and owned various businesses over the years, print shops, pharmaceutical manufacturing, trucking company, and medical supply. He moved to Crestview, FL in 1981 and opened MASH Medical, and later, Professional Medical Associates, and the Sleep Disorder Center. Tom was successful at every business venture he had, but his most successful, and proudest accomplishments were his 3 children, Tammy, Garrett and Preston, and his wife Nancy Enfinger. After a wild and crazy 25 years or so (certainly not to be detailed in an obituary) Tom fell in love with Nancy and her son, Garrett. From that point on Tom devoted his life to his new family, married Nancy, and had a son, named Preston. Garrett fell asleep under his baby grand piano many a night while he performed for an audience of one. As a father, Tom was involved in his kids’ lives, coaching their little league teams, taking them for rides in his 1930 Ford Model-A, making trails in the woods, and everything else, all while playing music with them on a regular basis. Tom always said he was the richest man alive because of his wonderful family and friends.

In his final hours, Tom listened to Tammy singing, Garrett playing the piano, and Preston playing the trumpet.  Being surrounded by his loved ones, and listening to his children perform for him musically was a great comfort to him. At the time of his death, Preston played Amazing Grace on his trumpet while we all told him we loved him. The memories of this day will provide comfort to his family as we miss our crazy, fun, and talented Tommy. The family would like to thank Dr. Dennis Stewart, Dr. David Mann, Dr. Michael Roberts, the staff of North Okaloosa Medical Center and Emerald Coast Hospice (April, Angela and Jessica) for their loving care of Tommy. Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home in Crestview, Florida. Visitation will be held at 5:00 PM on August 29, 2015 with the celebration of his life following at 6:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Crestview High School Band (The Big Red Machine).

Guest book and condolences are available on line at www.whitehurstpowell funeral home.comArrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home in Crestview.  Guest book and condolences are available online at www.whitehurstpowellfuneralhome.com

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