Clarence A. Kelly, Jr.

On June 30, 2025, our hearts were saddened by the passing of Clarence A. Kelly, Jr. at the age of 62. He was born on October 4, 1962, to Clarence A. Kelly, Sr. and Patricia E. Kelly in Newark, NJ. Clarence grew up as a military dependent and was active in all sports in his youth. He was a graduate of Prince George High School Class of 1980. He attended Virginia State University for a year before going into the U.S. Air Force where he served briefly.

He met and married Judith L. Hutzell and together they formed a blended family. Clarence worked as a chef/kitchen manager working in numerous restaurants throughout the Central Virginia area including Annabelle's, Lone Star Steakhouse, and Chili's. He was employed by AMC Dine-In Theaters before his health started to decline.

Clarence was a diehard Pittsburgh Steeler fan, often waving that yellow "terrible towel" while watching the football games in his Steelers room at home. He loved to cook cuisines of other cultures and cook on the grill. He was often roped into being the grill cook at family cookouts. His other passion was maintaining his exotic fish aquarium.

He was affectionately known to his friends, co-workers, and wife as "Kelly". He was a lover of music and spent lots of time recording and playing songs from his favorite group, Earth, Wind & Fire. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, and father. He had a calm, laid-back personality and was loved by family, friends, and co-workers.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Derek E. Kelly, Sr.; his infant sister, Sylvia Kelly; and his step-son, Christopher Wrenn.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 26 years, Judith Kelly; his sons, Christian Kelly (Sherrie), Nickolas Kelly, and Kyle Kelly; his two step-children, Noema Wrenn and Matthew Wrenn (Tracy); his three grandsons, Christian Jr., Bryson, and Carter; his step-grandchild, Haley Tereschenko; his parents, Clarence Kelly, Sr. and Patricia Kelly; his siblings, Cheryl Riggins (Larry) and Ronald Kelly (Sylvia); nieces and nephews, Anthony, Rebecca, Dane, Derek Jr., Alexander, and Dominick; and his beloved pet, Q the Cat. He will be dearly missed by the host of friends that he knew and his family in New Jersey and North Carolina.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, at the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at the same location, with a procession to Merchants Hope Memorial Gardens to follow.

We hold close to our hearts, the love and memories that we have of Clarence and will see him in heaven.