Eugene (Gene) S. Kelly, Jr., a lifelong resident of the Oklahoma City area, passed away surrounded by his loving family on May 8th, 2025, just four days before his 85th birthday. Gene is survived by his wife Sharon Kelly (nee Tucker) of the home, his son, Christopher S. Kelly, and wife Kimberley, of Yukon, OK and daughter Cindy Self, and husband Bill of Lawrence, KS. He is also survived by his granddaughters; Shanleigh Cole of Kemah, TX, Emily Phillips and husband Luke of Edmond, OK, Lauren Browning and husband Hayden of Richardson, TX and grandsons; Parker Kelly and wife Shelby of Skiatook, OK, Tyler Self and wife Whitney of Las Vegas, NV, and Tucker Kelly of Yukon, OK. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren; Karleigh, Laven, Ethan, Ella, Phoebe, Finn, Karsten, and Jack as well as many other relatives and friends. Gene was predeceased by his father Eugene S. Kelly Sr., mother Wilma Kelly, and sister Beverly Kelly.
Gene was born and raised in Oklahoma City and graduated in 1958 from Harding High School. Gene attended Oklahoma State University in 1960 where he met the love of his life Sharon and the two were married in May of 1961. He graduated from Central State College in June of 1965 with a degree in Accounting and from Central State University in May of 1980 with a degree in Business Administration.
Gene had many occupations over the years. He owned Oklahoma Reading Academy and Oklahoma Industrial Supply. He worked for the Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector and later retired from Oklahoma County as the County Purchasing Agent. After retirement, he worked for Sunbeam Family Services.
Gene was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, India Shrine OKC, a 32nd Degree Mason, and a charter member of the Surrey Hills Lions Club. An avid sports fan, he loved to bowl and spent many years bowling in leagues. He also coached little league baseball, softball, football, basketball, and track and field teams. He loved to attend sporting events, especially those of his children and grandchildren, and of course, attending basketball games coached by his son-in-law Bill. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife, Sharon, taking many vacations around the world.
Gene loved life, family, sports, and his beloved dog, Tashi. He liked making jokes and playing little pranks. He was a source of laughter, joy, and unforgettable dance moves. He lit up a room and brought love to the people he knew. His smile, laughter, jokes, warmth, love, and willingness to help people in need will be missed.
A celebration of his incredible life will be held at 2:00 pm on June 21st, 2025, at Matthews Funeral Home, 601 S. Kelly, Edmond Oklahoma.
To watch the service CLICK HERE to go to our YouTube page. Click on 'Videos', then 'Live Streams'.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be sent to the India Shrine OKC located at 3601 NW 36th, Oklahoma City OK 73112-6324 or by telephone at 405-947-3311.