Jabus “Jay” Kelly, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, was born April 24, 1940, to Reuben and Dessie Kelly. Jay left this world to join his parents, a son, Hoyt Larry Boyd, and his sister, Mavis Stogner, on Nov. 23, 2017.

Jay attended Angie High School and graduated from Dexter High School in 1958. After high school, he joined the Mississippi National Guard where he proudly served his country for nine years. He worked for Lindsey-Fiber Motor company, Coca-Cola, and Community Coffee but he was known all around Washington Parish as “the Cookie Man,” working for Jack’s Cookie Company for 18 years.

In 1989, Jay was ordained a deacon at Southern Baptist Church of Varnado. At the time of his death, he was serving as a deacon at Angie Baptist Church.

Jay is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Carolyn Williams Kelly; a son, Jeff (Mecy) Kelly; grandchildren, LaChee (Chris) Morgan, Jeffery Kelly, and Bryce Bennett. He also leaves behind his great- grandchildren, Caleb, Bradyn, BryAnna, and Colton Morgan.

Jay is also survived by beloved sons, Terry Boyd and Mark (Shane) Boyd; one brother, Jack (Charlotte) Kelly and daughter-in-law, Barbara Harris. His grandchildren include Chad (Nicole) Boyd, Bethany and Addison; Jake (Megan) Boyd, Sadie and Liam; Katie (Landon Gerald) Boyd, Remington Gerald, Hunter Boyd, Parker Boyd, Ryan (Skyler) Harris, and Drew (Allie) Harris. In loving family, he also leaves his nephews, Dwight (Jan) Stogner, Wayne (Linda) Stogner, Tony (Tatiana) Stogner, and special friends Nadia Collins and Rose Simmons.

That’s a long list of survivors, I know, but Jay was cherished by so many others. Everyone was a friend to Jay and everyone was always greeted with a smile, a hug, or a handshake. He always found a way to bring a smile to anyone’s face and usually gave us some good laughs along with it. Jay will forever be in our hearts. We love you, Jay. We will miss you but we are so happy to know you are where you so wanted to be — at home with your Savior, Jesus Christ.

A visitation will be on Saturday, Nov. 25, at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home in Bogalusa from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitation will continue at Angie Baptist Church on Sunday, Nov. 26, at 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service at 2:30 p.m., with the Rev. Larry Mizell, the Rev. Cole Fornea, the Rev. Kelly Penton, and the Rev. Chad Jenkins officiating. Interment will follow at Seal Cemetery in Varnado.