The Dayton, Tennessee community is mourning the passing of Thomas “Bo” Kelley, age 78, who passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. A lifelong resident of Rhea County, Bo was widely known for his strong faith, his dedication to serving others, and his deep love for family and community.
Born on February 22, 1948, in Dayton’s well-known “Kelley Holler,” Bo was the son of the late Harmon H. “Shag” Kelley and Bertha Lavada (Gennoe) Kelley. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Dean, Vivian “Bib,” Nina, and Shirley. His roots in Rhea County ran deep, and he remained proudly connected to the place he always called home.
Bo graduated from Rhea Central High School in 1966 before answering the call to serve his country in the United States Army. He served honorably in the Korean DMZ and returned home with the same commitment to duty that would define the rest of his life. After his military service, he built a successful 36-year career as a machinist at the Oak Ridge Y-12 National Security Complex.
Service to others was central to Bo’s life. As a dedicated member of American Legion Post 100, he worked to build wheelchair ramps for those in need, ensuring that neighbors facing physical challenges had greater accessibility and dignity. He also served faithfully on the Rhea County Election Commission, contributing his time and energy to the local community he loved so much.
Bo was known as a man who never hesitated to help. Whether fixing something for a neighbor, working on cars in his spare time, or lending a hand wherever needed, he was most at home when serving others with his hands and heart.
His Christian faith was the foundation of everything he did. At Dayton Church of God, Bo was deeply involved in the church’s bus ministry, driving routes, maintaining the buses, helping acquire new ones, and even painting them himself. He also served in AWANA, the Rhea of Hope Food Bank, the Church Council, Vacation Bible School, and faithfully as church custodian. His dedication to ministry reflected a life fully committed to faith and service.
Bo is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Carolyn Ann (Harwood) Kelley of Dayton; his sons, Tim (Donna) Kelley of Sale Creek and Stephen (Wendy) Kelley of Seymour; his brother, Harold Kelley of Augusta, South Carolina; grandchildren Ethan Kelley, Luke Kelley, Ella Kelley, Justin Kelley, Dustin Kelley, and Bradley Kelley; and five great-grandchildren, Kayla, Mia, Lucas, Anakin, and Eric.
Funeral services for Bo will be held in the funeral home chapel on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. with Bishop Terry Bolton officiating. He will be laid to rest with full US Army military honors at Rhea Memory Gardens following the service.
The family will receive friends at Vanderwall Funeral Home in Dayton on Thursday from 12:00 noon until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made in Bo’s name to Sale Creek Church of God Building Fund, 14919 Old Dayton Pike, Sale Creek, TN 37373.
May Thomas “Bo” Kelley rest in peace. His legacy of faith, service, and love will continue to live on in the many lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey.