Raymond Lands Kelly
Raymond Lands Kelly passed away March 8, 2021 at his home. He was born on May 20, 1948 in Spartanburg, South Carolina a son of the late J.M. and Mary Emma Kelly. He is survived but much loved by wife, Kathryn, daughters, Robin Eaker (John), Jill Horton (Brian), Jessica Lawson (Jonathan) and Brooke Kelly. He was a loving Papa to Meagan, Emma, Abby, Addy, Avery and Brooklyn, two great granddaughters, McKinley and Leighton. He was predeceased by a brother Jimmy. Raymond was a graduate of Dorman High School Class of 66, who he was still in contact with. He was a founding member of Mid-City Shrine, member of Arcadia Lodge and the Scottish Rite. He was also a member of the Harley Owner's Group and the Shop of Virginia. Raymond worked in Nascar from the 60's until he retired in 2000 as a fabricator and crew chief. In his racing career he worked for drivers, Marty Robbins, Sterling Marlin, Ricky Rudd, Geoff and Brett Bodine, Trevor Boys, Derrick Cope, Bruce Hill, Joe Ruttman, Blackie Wangerin, Janet Guthrie, Tim Richmond, Kyle Petty, Dick Trickle, Wally Dallenbach and Jimmy Means. He worked for Kenny Bernstein and was on the champion pit crew with Bud Moore in 1991. He traveled to Australia's Thunderdome with Ron Esau in 1988, a West Coast competitor. But his #1 love was traveling on his Harley. He was a lifetime member of Harley Owners Group. It was nothing for him to ride 700 miles a day. His many trips took him to Sturgis, every year, Daytona Bike Week and Laconia. His favorite trip was to Alaska, 9,950 miles, 28 days and 338 pictures, until a massive stroke slowed him down and made him a passenger instead. Now he is back behind the handle bars; It's not the destination, it's the journey; his last ride to his eternal home.
A graveside service will be held Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Zion Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Spartanburg conducted by Rev Monty King. Jeans and Harley shirts are encouraged.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Mobile Meals, PO Box 461, Spartanburg, SC 29304, who always made sure he was OK. The family is at their respective homes.
Seawright Funeral Home & Crematory
www.seawright-funeralhome.com