Dana Abron Kelly

(Durham)- Dana Abron Kelly, age 85, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2022 after a brief illness. He was born in Durham County April 5, 1937 to Walter Abron and Ruby Barnes Kelly. As a young man he loved basketball and was a forward on the Durham County Counts basketball team. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1956 until 1958. After returning home from military service he worked for General Telephone Company in Durham until 1970 when he formed Kelly Construction Company and spent the next five decades building homes in the Durham area. 

He is survived by his wife, Cecilia Chu, of the home, a son Donovan Abron Kelly (Jessie), a daughter Kathy Kelly Shoaf (Richard), grandchildren Devon Abron Kelly (Rachel), Abron Quinn Kelly, Wesley Thomas Shoaf (Rebecca), Amanda Kathryn Shoaf Morrison (Sean), great-grandchildren Dean Abron Kelly, William Thomas Shoaf, Piper Andromeda Shoaf, Augustus Orion Shoaf, and Wallace Oberon Shoaf, a brother Steve Kelly (Patsy) and a sister Shelby Kelly Yates, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Ryan Shoaf. 

The family will have a private graveside memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the charity of your choice.