Lt. Col. William Fredrick Kelsay, ANG (Ret.)

Lt. Col. William "Bill" Fredrick Kelsay, 86, passed away February 12, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on September 17, 1938, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the son of the late Virgil Ervin Kelsay and Ella Mae Gilreath. 

Bill is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Diana Mary von Werssowetz Kelsay. 

He was a loving father to his children, William F. Kelsay, II (Tracy), Warner Robins, Georgia, Angela C. Kelsay Earls (Randy), Byron, Georgia, and Margaret E. Kelsay Owens (John), Eatonton, Georgia and his beloved grandchildren, Ian 

Richard Fenton, Melinda Nicole Fenton, William Arthur Kelsay (Ashley Ann), and Samuel Elijah Kelsay. 

He is proceeded in death by his youngest son, Christopher Michael Kelsay, his brother, Ervin Kelsay, and his sister Maggie Jo Kelsay Johnson.

Following his graduation from the University of Chattanooga, Bill began his Engineering career with Robins Air Force Base. He joined the U.S. Army and later, the Air National Guard where he was the Commander of the 202nd EIS Squadron in Macon, Georgia and achieved the rank of Lt. Colonel. Under his leadership, the 202nd EIS Squadron participated in the Flag City Shootout and was awarded the AFCC Civic Achievement Award. Bill and his squadron proudly served the community and installed lighting systems for the City of Warner Robins soccer field, the Vine Ingle Baseball fields, and Fort Valley and Byron Little League Parks.

Bill loved sports and especially loved football. He was an avid fisherman and one of the original Bassmasters. Bill was the last living member of the Oak Grove Baptist Baseball team in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Bill was a proud and faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and the Knights of Columbus, in Warner Robins, Georgia. Bill loved to tell jokes and funny stories, and made people laugh wherever he went.

Bill was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and enjoyed spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. Bill instilled strong family values and was always eager to be a blessing to his family, and anyone in need. Bill will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 300 South Davis Drive, Warner Robins, Georgia. Services will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. Afterward, Bill will be laid to rest at Magnolia Park Cemetery, Warner Robins, Georgia.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.