Willie James Kelley, Sr.

Willie James Kelley Sr., known to family and friends as “Squil,” was born on October 5, 1957, in Cheapside, Virginia, to Elders George and Margaret Kelley. Raised in Wilmington, Delaware, he grew up in a large, close-knit family. His parents instilled in him the importance of family, hard work, and helping others.

Willie graduated from P.S. duPont High School in 1976, where he participated in band, swimming and track and field. Willie proudly served nine years in the United States Army, earning several military honors before receiving an honorable discharge. He later worked at the Department of Veterans Affairs Hospital until retirement and was a member of Mt. Zion Gospel Church of Deliverance.

On January 19, 1981, Willie married his best friend, soulmate, and love of his life, Faith Kelley. For more than 45 years, she was the center of his world, and he never missed a chance to remind everyone how long they'd been together!

To know Squil was to love him and probably be teased by him! He was a natural jokester, he kept everyone laughing as a gifted storyteller. Squil loved sharing memories of growing up in Wilmington, segregation, and his days hanging out and getting into a little trouble at Haines Park. He could talk for hours about the old neighborhoods, the people he knew, and how much things had changed over the years.

Willie loved looking sharp in a good suit and a pair of Stacy Adams or an Adidas tracksuit with a fresh pair of sneakers, and don’t forget his signature hats! A devoted Eagles fan, he also enjoyed cooking, bicycles, playing his numbers, and keeping tabs on everybody's money!

Above all, Willie had a heart of gold. A proud father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and beloved Uncle Squil, he adored his family and became a father figure to many others.

Even through nine years of dialysis, Willie continued making friends and sharing laughter. His personality never changed. No matter where he went, Squil could strike up a conversation, share a story, and leave someone smiling.

Willie departed this life on October 6, 2026, one day after his 69th birthday.

He leaves to cherish in memory his wife, Faith Kelley; children, Joshua Potts, Tara Potts-Williams (Sean), Willie Kelley Jr. (Chanay), and Terrell Kelley (Sha'Day); a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brothers, George Kelley Jr. (Carmen), William Kelley (Sheila), Darrell Kelley (Monica), Kevin Camper, and Brent Camper; sisters, Pastor Elder Diane Johnson, Gloria Cooper, and Shawn Hinton (David); and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elders George and Margaret Kelley; brother, George Johnson; sisters, Sarah Brooker and Marlene Cisney; and his beloved grandson, Jashown Banner.

Though Squil is no longer with us, his love, laughter, and stories live on.