David (Dave) Ray Kelley of Nassau Bay, Texas unexpectedly passed away at the age of 77 on December 13, 2020.

Dave was born in Lafayette, Indiana on April 15, 1943, to Mary Elizabeth Robinson and Master Sargent (USMC) Raymond John Kelley. Dave’s youth was spent moving amongst many United States Marine Corps bases until graduation from Camp Lejeune High School in North Carolina in May, 1961. Dave was a driven athlete, lettering in football, basketball and baseball in high school, voted Most Athletic his senior year. Upon his father’s retirement from the USMC, Dave and his parents moved to Houston, Texas in 1963, at which time he married Deanna Kay Bruns. Dave and Deanna had (4) children, Lisa Kay, David Ray II, Michael Scott, and Laura Anne. Michael passed away in September 1970 being born prematurely and living only 3 days. Dave and Deanna were divorced in 1975, after which, Dave met Nancy Jean (Bowen) Caruso. Dave and Nancy were married on July 16, 1977. Nancy had two children from her previous marriage, Mary Christine (Chris) and Michael James. Dave and Nancy and all (5) children moved into the subdivision Townewest, where they lived for several years until moving to the subdivision Pecan Grove in Richmond, Texas. After all the kids moved out, Dave and Nancy moved to Clear Lake. Dave worked at various companies in the computer industry (such as Systems Application Engineering (SAE) and Fluor Industries) until settling in at Puffer-Sweiven, where he worked until he retired as one of the Vice Presidents in 1993. Dave and Nancy met many friends along the way spending much of their time at Pecan Grove Country Club. Both Dave and Nancy loved to spend time on their boat and on the golf course. They spent much of their retired life traveling and spending time with their family and friends. Nancy was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2010. She sadly lost her battle to this deadly disease and passed away on November 18, 2016. On June 23, 2019, Dave reconnected with his high school sweetheart Lyn (Miller) Swan, whom he had first met around November, 1960 at Camp Lejeune High School. Dave and Lyn were married on August 22, 2020. Lyn had two children from a previous marriage, Kipperly (Kippy) and Kenneth. Dave and Lyn enjoyed this last year catching up, spending time with each other, and planning a honeymoon in Louisiana, which had to be postponed due to Covid-19 and Hurricane Laura. Unfortunately, Dave passed away before he and Lyn could reschedule that trip.

Dave enjoyed spending time entertaining family and friends at his home on the water in Bal Harbor enjoying his kitty cats Foxy and Tony. Dave enjoyed teaching golf as a golf pro having several students he taught over many years. Dave also volunteered his time at Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital which included developing their volunteer training manual.

Dave and Lyn were looking forward to enjoying their remaining years together as husband and wife. Dave (Papa) will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Raymond Kelley, spouse Nancy Jean (Bowen) Kelley, son Michael Scott Kelley, and great grandson Wade Allen Smith. He is survived by his spouse Lyn  (Miller) Kelley; his (5) children; daughters Lisa Kay (Kelley) Zarosky and spouse Albert, Mary Christine (Chirs) Getzendiner (Caruso) Laura Anne (Kelley) Bloomfield and spouse Eric, sons David Ray Kelley II and Michael James Caruso and spouse Andrea; his (17) grandchildren Matthew Ryan Veazey and spouse Stephanie, Nicholas Paul Zarosky, Kaylee Danielle Zarosky and finance Logan Lewis, Amy Michelle (Zarosky) Crippin, Jennifer Lee (Zarosky) Smith and spouse Brad; Erica Marie (Getzendiner) Schleicher and spouse James, Angela (Angie) Frances Getzendiner, Zachary Douglas Bloomfield, Brendan James Miller, Christina Marie (Kelley) Wolfinger and spouse Daniel, Paige Ahrens Young, Christopher Brian Kelley, David Ray Kelley III, Courtney Olivia Kelley, Stephen James Caruso, Julian James Caruso, Dominic Michael Caruso; his (16) great grandchildren James Bryce Veazey, Brynlee Rose Veazey, Jordan Cheyenne Crippin, Madison Ann Smith and finance Garrett Ratley, Tori Emily Smith, Kenzie Rae Smith, Joshua James (JJ) Schleicher, Julia Jean Schleicher, Tiffany Faith Kelley, Rufino Manual Sanchez, Brylee May Kelley, Cheyenne Darlene Flanagan, William Sado Guevara-Kelley, Vincent Alexander Zane Wolfinger, Devon Dathan Dale Wolffinger, and Taloa Marie Wolfinger (February 2021); his (2) stepchildren; daughter Kipperly (Kippy) Joan Swan and son Kenneth Swan and spouse Becky; his (3) step grandchildren Sgt. Jeramy Neusmith and spouse Major Christine, Laina Grendle and spouse Peter, and Kayla Swan; his (4) step great grandchildren Private Brandon Smith, Grant Smith, Kane Grendle, and Scout Grendle; and his brother-in-law Frank Miller and spouse Jeannine, their (2) children Brandon Miller and Meghan (Miller) Stepp and spouse Jordan, their (5) grandchildren Shelby Miller, Lydia Miller, Emma Ryan Stepp, Gavin Stepp, and Scarlott Stepp, and their (1) great grandchild Catherine.

The family is hosting a “Celebration of Life” for family and friends at La Brisa, 501 N Wesley Dr, League City, TX 77573 on Saturday, 12/19/2020 at noon. A private burial service will be planned for later in 2021. Details will be forthcoming.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Second Chance Pets, www.secondchancepets.org, 2410 Bay Area Blvd., Houston, TX 77058.