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Submitted: 11/25/14 • Approved: 12/2/14 • Last Updated: 12/5/14 • R1053434-G1053432-S3
November 22, 1916 - November 19, 2014
Bobbye
1918 - 2007
James Felton O'Kelley, 97, of Conway, AR died peacefully at home Wednesday, November 19 under the watchful eye of Patsy Herring his longtime caregiver and companion. The family is grateful for the help given by Gary and Rose Kirk of Bigelow, AR and Kenneth Eubanks, Conway.
Born November 22, 1916 to Henry and Rhoda Ramsey O'Kelley of Bauxite, AR. He was married to Bobbye Catherine Cox June 27, 1937.
One of five children, he was preceded in death by one brother Clifford O'Kelley, and three sisters, Pauline O'Kelley Sparks, Lorine O'Kelley Jones Cook and Ellen O'Kelley, his daughter Sharon O'Kelley Frueh, 1998, and his wife of 69 years, Bobbye Kathryn Cox O'Kelley, 2007.
He is survived by two grandsons, Felton (Kera) Frueh, Jason (Kim) Frueh, great granddaughter Faeryn Frueh, all of Austin, TX. A host of nephews and nieces survive including Steve (Ann) O'Kelley of Fort Worth, TX, Charles (Maral) Sparks, Vienna, VA, Lynn (Lee) Pickhartt, Washington D.C., C.S. (Rae) Lambert, Hattisburg, MS, Ben (Sybil) Lambert, Mobile, AL, Bernevia Paoli, Certitos, CA, Sarah (Jim) Eppler, Malvern, AR, Ann (Mike) Norman, John (Judy) Reno of Conway, AR.
With a high school education, hard work, and sound business ethics, he became a business and financial leader in Conway.
For a time during World War II he worked as a civilian employee of the U.S. Army at the Maumelle Ordinance Works, Marche, AR.
He moved to Conway in 1943 and opened F&F Concrete Products, Inc. in 1945. He made every block by hand every day. From that humble beginning he built several successful businesses including F&F Ready-Mix Concrete (1969), Arkansas Structural Products Co. (1957), J.F. O'Kelley Construction Co. and the Ramada Inn.
Once completed, the ready-mix plant was praised at a national ready-mix convention and received visitors from Chicago and San Diego to view the facility. It was the first fully automated and largest ready-mix plant in the state - capable of a rated production of 240 cubic yards per hour. He retired in 1987. The facility, now Covington Towers on Bruce Street, is a Conway landmark featuring a butterfly-shaped shell roof.
He served the community in many ways: Board of Directors, First State Bank & Trust Company, 1960-1990, President of the Conway Chamber of Commerce 1963, Member Conway Development Corporation, 1964-1990, member St. Joseph Endowment Society, member Central Baptist College President's Club, member University of Central Arkansas Purple 100. Member of Conway Newcomer's Club, Honorary Citizen of Hot Springs National Park, AR and member of Arkansas
Razorback Foundation.
In 2008 he established the Felton and Bobbye and Sharon O'Kelley Freuh dining room at the Hendrix Student Life and Technology Center. Additionally, he was a long-time donor and member of the Hendrix President’s Club.
Also, in 2008 he was the chairperson for the “500 for $500” campaign to raise money for two media centers at Conway Christian School. The centers were named in honor of Mrs. O'Kelley.
In 2009, he provided the funds for Second Baptist Church of Conway to build the Student Union Building. The state-of-the-art facility is open to all students
He enjoyed golf, hunting, fishing and was an avid fan and supporter of Arkansas football and was a member of Harlan Park Baptist Church, Conway.
Visitation will be Sunday, 2-4 pm at Roller McNutt Funeral Home, Conway and funeral services at 10 am Monday at Roller McNutt Funeral Home. Pastors Mark Dance and Larry Pillow will be officiating. Burial will follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park, Conway.
Serving as Pallbearers will be Gilbert Baker, Jim Davidson, Ronnie Mobley, Jason Rapert, Stanley Russ and Chris Watson.
Honorary Pallbearers are Steve Dixon, Roy Lee Jones, Vernon Lasker, Steve O'Kelley, Steve Shannon
and Joe Ward.
The family requests memorials be made to Conway Bookcase Project, % Jim Davidson, 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. www.jimdavidson@conwaycorp.net.
Arrangements are by Roller McNutt Funeral Home, 801 8th Ave, Conway, AR 72032, 501-327-7727.
Contributed on 11/25/14 by hawkinsdonna
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Record #: 1053434