James (JT) T. O’Kelley, 87, of Lawrenceville, GA passed away peacefully Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Piedmont Eastside Medical Center in Snellville, GA.

James was born July 7, 1935, in Gillsville, GA to the parents of Lucy Mae (McClure) O’Kelley & Andrew J. O’Kelley of Snellville, GA. He is preceded in death by his wife of over 40 years Zollie (Suzanne) Leffene Reeves-O’Kelley and his daughter Debra L. O’Kelley-Whitmire of Rosman, NC.

He is survived by his brother Herschel T. O’Kelley of Rockmart, GA, and son-in-law Richard Whitmire (husband of Debra L. O’Kelley-Whitmire) of Rosman, NC., (Children) sons’ Derrick A. O’Kelley (partner Paula Ruse) of Lawrenceville, GA, Barry P. O’Kelley (wife Lori) of Snellville, GA, Jeffery D. O’Kelley of Snellville, GA, Christopher L. O’Kelley of Bethlehem, GA, Victor J. O’Kelley of Lawrenceville, GA, and daughter Andrea O’Kelley-Ward (husband Reese) of Winder, GA, and s-daughter Barbara J. Steele of California. Granddaughters Hollie C. (Seay)-McDaniel (husband Barry) of Jefferson, GA, Andreana (Anna) Ward of Winder, GA, Morgan B. O’Kelley of Snellville, GA, grandson Steven P. O’Kelley (wife Bailey) of Dacula, GA, nephew Michael V. O’Kelley of Senoia, GA, niece Rebecca S. O’Kelley of Aragon, GA, 4 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

James was a graduate of Maysville High School, in Maysville, GA in 1953. After high school he was employed with Life of Georgia selling life insurance, after leaving LOG he was then gainfully employed by GM in Doraville, GA. Where he worked on the assembly line, after a short time he was promoted to supervision of the Trim Dept. and worked as supervisor for many years. He retired after 32 years at GM in 1985. He moved his parents from Gainesville, GA to Snellville, GA where he took care of them until his father’s passing in 1994 (at age 92), then took care of his mother until May 2001. He decided to try and use his skills in the Flea Market business buying and selling goods from Georgia Bell; after a period of time, he left and moved to Crazy Eddies Craft & Flea Market in Loganville, GA. He liked talking to people and he always tried to have a positive attitude. His favorite sport was football though he did like the Braves Baseball. He was an avid Georgia Bulldogs football fan and he loved Nascar. He took his family to many Nascar races in Daytona, FL, Darlington, NC, Hampton, GA, Bristol, TN, and Talladega, AL. He liked to camp and go boating at Lake Lanier in Hall Co. GA. His strong personality and wisdom will be greatly missed by many. He was cremated and the family wishes to have a private Celebration of Life later in his honor.

“May the road rise up to meet you; May the Wind always be at your back. The sun shine warm upon your face, The rain fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand”

—Irish Blessing

An Irish Proverb – Remember always to forget the troubles that have passed away…… but remember to remember the Blessing of each day!

In Lieu of flowers please make donations in honor of James T. O’Kelley to the Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry website: Lawrencevilleco-op.org.

Georgia Cremation in Duluth is assisting the family with end of life care for James T. O’Kelley.