Larry Boyd Kelly passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 11 at the age of 80 and in the company of close family members. Born on January 3, 1941 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Marilyn (Miller) Kelly and Clarence Boyd Kelly and later joined by his younger brother Danny, Larry’s sweet tooth may have been the first to come in. He shared a love of ice cream and Cracker Jacks with his grandfather, and as an adult he was known to drive as far as necessary for a case of Barq’s Diet Red Cream Soda. Larry was a connoisseur of pizza and classic and luxury cars, but his passion for The Ohio State Buckeyes was unequaled. If he wasn’t at the ‘Shoe on game day (season ticket holder for 50+ years!), he was certainly rooting his Buckeyes on to victory from wherever he was.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from The Ohio State University, Larry worked for the State of Ohio Department of Transportation until his retirement in 1995. He spent his free time golfing in the summer, skiing in the winter, and traveling all year round.
More than Barq’s or pizza or even the Buckeyes, Larry loved his family and took great pride in celebrating all their achievements, big or small. Left to cherish their memories of him are his sons Steve (Maria) and Tim (Andrea) and their mother Susan Horr; daughters Abigail and Sarah and stepdaughter Amanda (Jeremy Groscost) and their mother Robin Kelly; and grandchildren Matthew, Melanie, Mari-Clara, Gavin, Alex, Micah, and James.
The family will share fond memories with guests on Thursday, July 15, between 5-7 pm at Cotner Funeral Home, 7369 E Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Pastor Gary Chaffins will officiate a burial ceremony on Friday, July 16, at 12 Noon at Memorial Burial Park, 10556 Gallia Pike, Wheelersburg, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Larry’s memory to the Southeast Ohio Regional Foodbank & Regional Kitchen, 1005 C I C Drive, Logan, Ohio, 43138.
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