FT. PIERRE, SD –

William (Billy) Thomas Kelly, 85, of Fort Pierre died on Tuesday, November 7th at his home surrounded by family. A visitation will be held on Monday, November 13 from 5:30pm-7:30pm at Isburg Funeral Chapel with a memorial service at 10:00am on Tuesday, November 14 at Lutheran Memorial Church. Burial will take place at Scotty Philip Cemetery.

Billy was born on December 27th, 1937, in Rosebud, SD to Tom and Thelma (Tibbitts)Kelly he was the oldest of four children. He attended many schools around the state before he enlisted in the Army in April 1956. After being discharged from the Army in 1959 he came home to pursue his lifelong passion of rodeoing. For years he rode bareback and saddle bronc and 1961 was a big year for Billy, he won the SDRA bareback championship and on December 24th in Fire Steel, SD he married the love of his life LaVonne Jones.

They had their son Billy in 1962 and daughter Karmen in 1964. After a neck injury ended his rodeo career, he decided to get his pilot’s license and started crop spraying which he enjoyed doing for 34 years. During his time as a pilot, he also became a crew member of the Rare Bear racing team for 12 years and they won 4 world championships. Throughout his life he wore many hats; cowboy, pilot, truck driver, and actor, he was cast in the movie “Born to Buck”. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports. His also loved watching PBR, Nascar, and the Green Bay Packers. Billy never met a stranger and he loved to tell stories, sometimes with added embellishments.

Billy is survived by his wife LaVonne of 61 years, son Billy (Jenny) Kelly, and daughter Karmen (James) Meyer. Grandchildren Chelsey Kelly, Joshua (Meagen) Meyer, Levi (Samantha) Meyer, Kelli Meyer. Great-grandchildren Chase, Jacob, and Sheridan.

He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and sister Teresa.

Honorary Pallbearers are his friends from his rodeo and flying days.

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