Paul Martin Kelly

Paul Martin Kelly, 82 of Sanford passed away Monday January 23, 2023.

A Memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday April 22, 2023 at First Presbyterina Church. Following the ceremony the family will greet friends in the Harper Center at First Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Kelly was born in Lee Co, son of the late Rex Livingston Kelly and Ernestine Matthews Kelly. He also was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Ann Kelly Mann. Paul was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church and sang in the choir. After graduating from Sanford Central High School he went to Boston Conservatory and Berklee School of Music where he earned his Music Degree. After graduation he went on to East Carolina University where he earned his Masters in Education. While at ECU he received his draft notice and reported to Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, DC where he spent the next four years writing and arranging music for the Airmen of Note. On numerous occasions he was requested to play Taps for services at Arlington National Cemetery. In 1979 Paul earned his General Contractors License. For the next forty years he would build custom homes, spec homes, additions, and apartments. During this time he also served as Band Director at Sanford Central High School and continued to write music. Mr. Kelly was a part of a group named “The Executives” who played at CCNC and Pinehurst Country Club on Saturday nights for more than thirty years where they made countless friends. Locally, he led the Community Festival Singers Chorus.

Mr. Kelly is survived by his wife, Emily S. Kelly; son John Martin Kelly of Raleigh; daughter Laura Ann Kelly DiNuzzo (Andrew) of Fuquay-Varina; grandchildren Caroline Peyton DiNuzzo and Jack Ryan DiNuzzo; sister Rexine Kelly Lloyd of Sanford; several nieces and nephews.

The Kelly Family would like to give a special thanks to the care provided by Liberty Hospice.

Memorial contributions can be made to First Presbyterian Church in Sanford, 203 Hawkins Ave, Sanford, NC 27330.