Bishop William Eugene Kelley Obituary (1938 - 2018)

Bishop William Eugene Kelley, age 80, of Louisville, Ohio peacefully transitioned into Heaven on Thursday, November 1, 2018. Born in Glen Robbins, Ohio on May 7, 1938, to William & Mary Kelley. He was the 4th of 12 children raised in a Pastor’s home, full of laughter and love. The most important and valued thing to William was always his relationship with the Lord and his family. He loved his family so deeply and was the most loving and caring Father and Poppie to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He passionately served in the ministry for 47 years, of which, 39 years he was the Pastor of New Life Ministries and 2 years he served as the Bishop. He was a patriarch, a father, and a dear friend to so many. He was a gentle man who had a heart for all people. Anyone who came into contact with him saw the face of Jesus. He was always giving, even when he had little to give. He was always encouraging and helping restore faith in others. He saw the true value and potential God created in each person. He was always, “touching a life somewhere” as he would say; to everyone he came in contact with. He was a worshiper and loved to praise Jesus with his whole heart, with music and singing. He was the greatest storyteller ever, that would make anyone laugh until they cried. He will be so greatly missed, but we know he is in Paradise with his beautiful wife Mary and his savior Jesus. He is celebrating in the sweet presence of God, looking down and cheering us on. Preceded in death by the love of his life Mary Jane Kelley, his parents William S. & Mary E. Kelley, in-laws Christian S. & Lucille Borntrager and brothers Jackie & Jim Kelley. Survived by his children, Cynthia Kelley, Michael & Sally Kelley, and Brian Kelley; Grand Children, Melissa Kelley, James (Naomi) Freshwater, Jennifer Kelley-Downing, Seth Kelley, Joslyn (Brandon) Resanovich, Breanna (Aaron) Resanovich and Elizabeth Kelley; Great-Grandchildren, Jaide Kelley, Jacinity Downing, Miles Freshwater, Torrance Kelley, Kaeden Resanovich, Emerie Resanovich and Asher Resanovich. Siblings, Lawrence (Liz) Kelley, Helen (Harry) Scism, Anna (Paul - deceased) Layton, Jim - deceased (Linda) Kelley, Joe (Jane) Kelley, Patricia (Ralph) Leadbetter, Kenneth (Lois) Kelley, Duane (Glena) Kelley, Louise (Warren - deceased) Hilderbrand, Robert (Jerolyn) Kelley and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews. Visitation will be November 16th from 6pm to 8pm and November 17th 1pm to 2pm. The Celebration of his Life will be November 17th at 2pm. This will be a time of worship and memories. Both will be held at Trinity Gospel Temple, 1612 Tuscarawas St W, Canton, OH 44708. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions can be made to New Life Ministries, 6140 Louisville Rd NE, Louisville, OH 44641. Schneeberger Funeral Home in Canton, Ohio, is in charge of arrangements.