Remembering the Life of Kenneth Duane Kelley, Jr.

Don't let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, "Life is not pleasant anymore."  Essc. 12:1 NLT

"You do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away" (James 4:14). On Thursday, June 13, 2019, Kenneth Duane Kelley, Jr. was going about his life and planning for a future he had dreamed of, and in a moment of time he faced his untimely death at the tender age of 23. He was born May 26, 1996, to LoTasha T.  Tollette and Kenneth D. Kelley, Sr. in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Lil Kenny as he was known to many attended the Hot Springs School System.  He was a graduate of Hot Springs High School Class of 2014.  After high school he attended Langston University in Oklahoma.  Lil Kenny was a well-rounded sportsman.  He excelled in basketball and football and ran track for a short time. Though short in stature he could hang with the best of them.  Lil Kenny developed a love for music, a reputation for mixing and mastering music, and several videos depicting his artistry.  He was employed with FedEx. Lil Kenny had a smile that would melt an iceberg in mid-winter. He was a very respectful young man and was always willing to help others.

On Thursday, June 13, 2019 life changed forever for his mother, LoTasha "Tot" Tollette; his father, Kenneth "Shep" Kelley, Sr.; siblings, Jasmine Golden, Kendrick "Koobie" Moody, Kendall "Zay" Tollette; bonus sister, Angel Avery; bonus brother, Muntrell (MJ) Dobbins, Jr.; special cousins, Crystal Tollette, and Shantel Kelley-Young; his maternal grandmother, Marilyn Hannah;  grandfathers, Robert Woodfork and Rodney Tollette; maternal great grandmothers, Mildred Counts and Anne Tollette; Kenny loved all of his aunts and uncles, he had a special closeness for his uncles, Clarence (Delois) Kelley, and Randy Tollette; maternal aunts and uncles, Michael Thompson, Rodney, Jr., Erik, Tiffany, Shantel, Danielle, Brian, Carlon and Alfonzo Tollette; his paternal aunts and uncle, Joyce (Patrick) Booker, Mary Kelley, Tina Williams, Dianna Williams, and Crystal Kelley; a special great aunt, Ruthie Dawn and a host of other great aunts, uncles, and extended family and friends including his best friend, Anthony Goffigan. Lil Kenny's passing has left a void in the hears of many.  It is impossible to list each person who has played a role in his life.  Each of you know what Lil Kenny meant to you, please cherish those memories and pass the love on.

A memorial visual will be held 7:30 PM, Wednesday, June 19, 2019, on the parking lot of Union Baptist Church 219 Gulpha St; open visitation will be Friday, June 21, 2019 from 2:00 PM – 6:30 PM at the funeral home.  A celebration of life which will include food, fellowship and memories will be held Friday evening from 6:00 PM – until at 413 Apex Street. Funeral service will be 1:00 PM Saturday, June 22, 2019 at Hot Springs Junior High School Academy(formally Hot Springs Middle School), 701 Main St.  Burial will follow in Crestview Cemetery.

At the family's request memorial t-shirts are not permitted at the funeral service but can be worn on Friday or after the funeral on Saturday. It is also requested that no pictures or videos are allowed.  These requests will be strictly enforced.

The family will be at 119 Alta Vista and 608 Wade Street.

Guest registry is at http://www.carriganmemorial.com .

Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.