Deacon Richard Kelly, son of the late Mildred Stephens, was born on March 12, 1956 in Philadelphia, PA.  He departed this life on Sunday, August 26, 2018.  He was raised by his grandmother, Florence Mazyck, in the Old Field Community of St. Stephen, South Carolina.

He was educated in the public schools of Berkeley County and graduated from St. Stephen High School.  He also obtained an Associate's Degree in Business Management from Limestone College.

He was employed as a Job Readiness Training Associate at the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Center.  Previously, he worked at Reliable Electric Company as a Production Supervisor for 17 years, Dupont, and Gates Corporations as a Production Associate.  He served his country in the United States Army for several years and was honorably discharged.

At an early age, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.  He joined Holy Rock Missionary Baptist Church where he faithfully served as an active member and chairman of the Trustee Board; he was ordained and has been a dedicated Deacon for the past 20 years.  He also served as the Vice President of Antioch Baptist Association Deacons Auxiliary and served with the South Carolina Baptist Deacons Association.  Additionally, he served in various roles within his church and other capacities as needed in the Antioch Baptist Association.

He was united in holy matrimony to Rose Deal for thirty-six years.  This union was blessed with two children, Stefanie and Keshia.

He was a visionary who had a passion for business.  He was a man of ambition with entrepreneurial spirit.  He was a motivator and mentor who encouraged others to find and follow their passion.  He enjoyed working with people, spending time with his family, traveling, and learning to play golf.  Most importantly, he loved the Lord.  He was a humble and peaceful man who always had a kind word of encouragement.  He was a quiet man but stood up for what he believed, was full of good humor, and had the "gift of gab".  He was a wise, calm-spirited man who touched many hearts throughout his journey in life.  He will truly be missed by all who know him.  Precious memories of his life will forever live in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Those left to celebrate his life and cherish his memories are his loving devoted wife, Rose Kelly, of Moncks Corner, SC; his beautiful and devoted daughters: Stefanie Kelly of Greenville, SC and Keshia Kelly of Moncks Corner, SC; three uncles, John (Earnestine) Mazyck of North Carolina, Alphonza Mazyck of Connecticut, James (Sheila) Mazyck of North Carolina; three aunts, Dorothy Howard and Thirlestine Scott of South Carolina, Lucretia Howard of Connecticut; sisters-and brothers-in-law; Lori Stephens of New Jersey, Louretha (Leon) Bowman of Walterboro, SC; Louis "Jr." of Bowman, SC; Vivian (Chancer) Smith of Atlanta, GA; George (Terry) Deal of Walterbora, SC; Ray Janice McCutcheon of Walterboro, SC; Clara (Howard) Snider of Columbia, SC; Ruth Ella Edwards of Cottageville, SC; Reginald (Shirley) Deal of Grover, SC, Thomas (Rebecca) Govan of Walterbora, SC; Mary Francis (Al) Govan of Manhattan, NY, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends; he will also be greatly missed by his special friends: Elijah and Mr. Fladger.

In addition to his mother, he was predeceased in death by two brothers, Alton Mazyck and Alfonzo Stephen.