William Ray Kelley

William Ray Kelley passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family on September 24, 2026, in St. Peters, Missouri. He was born on June 20, 1936, in Goreville, Illinois.

William lived a life marked by devotion to his family, steady work, and a generous spirit. He attended Business College in Paducah, Kentucky, where he earned his Associate’s Degree. He went on to build a long and dedicated career with Western Union, working for forty-six years in telecommunications, first as an operator and then as a supervisor. His commitment and reliability were evident throughout his working life, and he carried those same qualities into every part of the life he shared with those he loved.

At the heart of William’s life was his family, and among his proudest accomplishments was his marriage to Sandra, his beloved wife of 68 years. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and enduring companionship. He also took great pride in his children and grandchildren, who were a lasting source of joy to him.

William will be remembered as kind, loving, funny, giving, and always thoughtful. He always had a joke ready, bringing smiles to those around him. His gentle nature was one that stayed steady; he was never one to be angry or easily upset, and his calm presence was a comfort to his family and friends.

He found happiness in simple and familiar pleasures. He enjoyed mowing and landscaping, and even in later years he still oversaw the yard maintenance every day with care and interest. He also loved bowling and dancing, and for many years he and Sandra went dancing every Saturday night, a reflection of the joy they shared together.

William is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra Kelley; his loving children, Allen Kelley and his wife, Angie, Karen Woods and her husband, Jim, and Brian Kelley and his wife, Jennifer. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Stephen Martin and his wife, Olivia, Megan Wresinski and her husband, Jesse, Jack Woods, Chris Kelley and his wife, Bekah, Amanda Kelley, and Pierce Kelley. His family continued to grow with the blessing of great-grandchildren Wren, Riley, Charlotte, Poppy, Penny, and Oliver, each of whom was part of the legacy of love he cherished so deeply. He is also survived by his brother, Carl Kelley and his wife, Myrtle.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvah and Martha Kelley.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on October 10, 2026, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, St. Peters, 837 Mid Rivers Mall Dr, St. Peters, Missouri 63376. A funeral service will follow there from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

William Ray Kelley’s life was a blessing to those who knew him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for his warmth, his humor, his steadfast love for Sandra, and the deep pride he took in his family.