James "Howard" Kelly, 88, of Aubrey, Texas passed away on Sunday, October 3, 2021 in Denton, Texas. He was born in Aubrey, Texas on October 31, 1932 to William A. (Bill) and Margaret Powell Kelly.

Howard attended schools in Aubrey and Pilot Point, Texas. He was a founding member and Deacon for Gateway Baptist Church in Denton.  Howard started his career in law enforcement in 1966 serving as a police officer and later becoming a Detective for the City of Denton.  He retired as Sergeant of Detectives after almost 30 years from the City of Denton. After his retirement, he continued his career with Sheriff Weldon Lucus working on a special task force for Denton County.  He loved his time in law enforcement and entertained us all with many stories.

Howard married Peggy Brooks Smith in 1950. They had 4 girls during their 38 years of marriage.  She preceded him in death in 1986.  He later married Peggy Bruce in 2006 and affectionately referred to her as Peggy #2 or Bud.

He is also preceded in death by his parents William A. and Margaret Powell Kelly, his daughter Teresa (Kelly) Daniel, brother-in-law Ronnie Land, and grandson Mark Cunningham.

Howard is survived by his sister, Lynell Land.  His Daughters, Linda Clark and son-in-law Eddie Clark, their two sons Michael and Josh Clark, grandchildren Maddie Clark, Gracie (Clark) Richards, and Brady Clark, and great-grandson Rylund Richards.  Daughter, Debra Cunningham and son-in-law Paul Cunningham, their two sons Scott and Ricky Cunningham, their grandchildren Colten, Chaela, Christopher, Ethan, Connor, Lukas, and Mykah Cunningham.  Grandsons Tom and Tyler Calvert and great-grandchildren Caden, Cooper and Tanner Calvert.  Daughter, Dianne Boliver and son-in-law Reggie Boliver, their children Brooke (Boliver) Prim and Colby Boliver.

He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 1:00 P.M. at Gateway Baptist Church in Denton. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Buddy Owens officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Belew Cemetery in Aubrey.

Pallbearers will be his grandchildren Tom Calvert, Ricky Cunningham, Michael Clark, Scott Cunningham, Tyler Calvert, Josh Clark, Brooke Prim, Colby Boliver and Donald Prim.

In lieu of flowers, you may direct memorials to Belew Cemetery Association or to Gateway Baptist Church.