Lamar "Sonny" Kelly, Jr, 90, of Raymond, passed away on March 30, 2022.

An only child, Sonny was born on November 11, 1931, to Lamar and Phala Kelly in Waterproof, Louisiana.  The Kelly family moved to Norfolk, VA, when Sonny was young.  He attended Georgia Military Academy and excelled as one of their top cadets.   The Kelly family then moved to Raymond, where Sonny graduated from Raymond High School and Hinds Jr. College.

Sonny married Mary Arehart in 1950.  He went on to serve in the Army from 1950-1953 and was stationed in Korea during the Korean war.  After an honorable discharge from the Army, he returned to Raymond and worked many years in the Texas oil field, after which he became the owner/operator of the Chevron service station on the square in Raymond.  Many residents of Raymond will remember Sonny's quick wit and sense of humor.

Sonny enjoyed his time as a Golden Gloves boxer as a young adult and was an avid fisherman throughout his life.  When Sonny and his wife, Jane, were not exploring the Amazon jungle, they were searching for fossils, crystals, and geodes throughout the Southeastern United States.  Sonny and Jane were active for years in the Mississippi Gem and Mineral Society before health concerns prevented them from sharing their love and knowledge of rocks with adults and children alike.

Sonny was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Jane Kelly, sons Robert "Bobby" Kelly and Ricky Kelly, and mother of his children, Mary Arehart Kelly.  He is survived by his children Sandra Martin, Lisa (Mark) Larche, Elizabeth (Marty) Cox, Ginger (Danny) Robbins, and John (Kari) Turner, ten grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Family will receive guests from 1:00-3:00 pm Sunday, April 3 at Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home in Raymond, MS. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm followed by interment in the Raymond Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Friends of Raymond (friendsofraymond.org).