Elder Virgal Lee Kelley Sr. was born on July 29, 1955, in Orlando, Florida to the late Elder Elmancie Kelley Sr. and Evangelist Minnie Lee Baldwin Kelley. On Tuesday, January 30, 2024, Elder Virgal Kelley Sr. made his departure leaving behind wonderful memories as well as a legacy of music and love for God and family. Virgal was a strong hardworking protector and provider who was devoted to his church and his family. He was a giver, giving down to his last. He loved to laugh, and he loved to make others laugh. He became legendary as a bass player and his voice was a beautiful gift that only God could have given that blessed many when he ministered with the Kelley Brothers, The E.A. Kelley Memorial Gospel Choir, and The Sensational Christianaires. He later accepted the call on his life to preach the word as a Minister and finally an Elder in The Church of God in Christ. Virgal will be remembered for his love of music, his musical gift, and his love of nature especially during his 28 years of employment at Flagler Hospital as Maintenance Supervisor during which he received his certifications in Irrigation and Landscaping.
Elder Virgal Kelley Sr was preceded in eternal rest by his parents, Elmancie Sr. and Minnie Lee Kelley, brothers; Elmancie Kelley Jr., Thomas Kelley, Ronald Kelley, and Travis Kelley.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his beautiful wife Minister Altamese Chestnut Kelley whom he joined in marriage on August 10, 1976. Son, Virgal Jr.(Antoinette) Kelley; daughters, Tiana Kelley, Kimberly Kelley, and La’Shanda Kelley; brothers, Supt. Donald(Janie) Kelley, Elder Antonio Kelley Sr., and Minister Peter(Frances) Kelley; sister, Evangelist Emma Corbett Kelley; grandchildren, Gianna, Andreas, and Jaron Wilson; mother-in-law, Mother Rosezena Chestnut; Uncles, Pastor Jerome(Loretta)Kelley, Elder Louis Kelley, and Edward(Debbie)Baldwin; Aunt, Naomi Williams; brother and sister in laws, Anthony Chestnut, Kenneth(Gwen) Chestnut, Brenda(Frank) Cooper, Elder Randall(Florence) Chestnut, Rose Chestnut, and Pastor Travis(Priscilla) Chestnut; grand-daughters in love, Alayah Elmore and Arielle Brown; grandson in love, Ceyahn Wolfe; Godchildren, Darryl Sr.(Tanya)Lee, Elder James Tyson(Octavia)Lee; adopted brother, Pastor Willie Lee; special family friend, Evangelist Barbara Jones; faithful and friendly canine companion “Kango” and a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and sorrowing friends.

The Kelley family will receive friends and the community 6-7 p.m., Friday, February 9, at E.A. Kelley, Sr., Memorial COGIC. A Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday February 10, @ E.A. Kelley, Sr., Memorial COGIC. Interment will be held in Evergreen Cemetery.