Michael Odell Kelly, 79, of Mebane passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026. He is survived by his loving daughter, Leslie Hohl (Jed); his cherished grandchildren, Krystin Scarlett (Jamie), Amanda Scarlett, Lauren Scarlett, Taylor Guzman (Franklin), Bryan Council, Marilyn Hohl, Vivian Hohl, Henry Hohl, and Jaeden Spell; and his adored great-grandchildren, Camden Scarlett, Anderson Brown, and Addyson Brown. Michael also leaves behind his devoted sisters, Brenda Crutchfield (Jim) and JoAnn Caulder (Jerry); his brother-in-law, Kenny Garren; his uncle, Ron Oakley (Kathy); his son-in-law, Jay Spell; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and his longtime friend, Blake Hensley. He will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Aaron and Velma Kelly, Sister Debbi Garren and daughter Angela Spell.

Before his retirement, he was a dedicated employee at Gildan in Mebane and previously employed by Glen Raven.

My daddy was a kindhearted man that loved his family, just as much as they loved him. He always wanted us to call and check in with him, to ensure that we were home safely. He was fond of animals of all kinds, often referred to as the cat whisperer or a male version of Snow White. The cat distribution system knew how to find him routinely. As a lifelong UNC Tarheels fan, he enjoyed seeing a UNC win over Duke before his passing. Go Heels! He did all the little things in life to make sure we knew he cared for us. My dad was made up of many qualities. He was caring, friendly (he never met a stranger), funny (he loved to make us giggle), resilient (often referred to as a cat with nine lives) and had a dash of stubbornness. Well, maybe more than a dash. He loved Halloween, watching the kids, adults and his grandchildren and great grandchildren come by every year, all dressed up and excited. It brought us so much joy to spend that day with him, decorating the yard, building a bonfire and entertaining the neighborhood families. We always made it special, and for that I am grateful to keep those memories close, with all the others.

He will be missed immensely, and we are all heartbroken that he is no longer with us. But knowing he is no longer suffering brings us the same peace he deeply wanted. Valentine’s Day will never be the same, but we will always know the love he had for us. My request from you all; Love others, laugh when you can, value those that never give up on you, and enjoy a Hersey Kiss on my daddy’s behalf.

To my daddy, your Pooh Bear will always hold your memory close to her heart.

In lieu of flowers, the family would love for you to donate in Mike’s memory to the organization The Independent Animal Rescue in Durham. Friends of this organization have been so kind and generous to help with his beloved kitties, Thomas, Minnie Mouse and Kit Kat.

The family welcomes you to join them for a floating Celebration of Life to honor Mike on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 4:00-6:00 pm at New Hope Baptist Church in the Family Life Center: 1525 Flora Avenue, Burlington, NC 27217.