William Kelley

William “Bill” Eugene Kelley, age 66, passed away on March 28, 2024, after a lengthy illness.
Born in Ocoee, Florida, he was the son of the late Ronald Eugene and Norma Jean Kelley. Bill moved to Citrus County in 1972, where he lived in Inverness thanks to the generosity of different families that allowed him to live with them so he could continue his education at Citrus High School.
Bill graduated from Citrus High School where he excelled in football, basketball and baseball. He received several scholarship offers from various colleges but decided to pursue his dream of playing Major League Baseball. After graduating high school, he was drafted by the Boston Red Sox where he played alongside players such as Wade Boggs and Chico Walker. After a career ending injury, Bill returned to Citrus County.
Bill began working for the county delivering milk to the schools, when then Sheriff Charles Dean convinced him to pursue a career in law enforcement. Bill attended the law enforcement academy; where he became dual certified in law enforcement and corrections.
Bill held positions as a Deputy Sheriff, Field Training Officer, and Sergeant with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office. He held these positions with dignity, honor, empathy, and dedication. He showed leadership and was a mentor to new recruits beginning their careers. He served the citizens of Citrus County for 25 years, before his retirement in 2012.
Bill’s greatest accomplishment was being a loving father and role model to his son, Matthew Ryan Kelley. He was excited to watch his son follow in his footsteps as he pursued his love of baseball. Bill loved nothing more than hitting the ballfield with Matthew to pitch batting practice.
Bill coached Little League baseball and provided encouragement and mentoring to the young men playing. He even created custom-made baseball bats on his free time for the senior members of the Citrus High School baseball and softball teams.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents Ronald Kelley and Norma Jean (Bosler) Kelley, brother Stephan Alan Kelley (Orlando, FL), brother Robbin Dean Kelley (Springfield, MO), brother Gary Eugene Kelley (infant).
Bill is survived by his son Matthew Kelley (Woodstock, Illinois), sister Rhonda Kelley Ijams (Wichita, Kansas) and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Celebration of Life Services will be held on Saturday April 6, 2024, at Charles Davis Funeral Home at 3075 S Florida Avenue, Inverness, Florida 34450. Visitation will be held at 10 am and services will be at 11 am.