John William Kelly, III

John William Kelly III, 76, of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away June 11, 2024. He was born June 10, 1948, in Camden, Arkansas to the late John William Kelly, Jr. and Jean Carolyn Wozencraft. 

He is preceded in death by his brother, Ricky Wozencraft and nephew, Mark Manson. John is survived by his loving wife, Chrystine Kelly; children, John William Kelly, IV (Ashley) and Ashley Kelly Eaton (Scott), Felisa Womble, and Kellie Womble Stone (Steve); grandchildren, Anna Caroline Stone, Nicholas Granger Stone, Emma Kea Eaton, Elli Graceson Eaton, and Austin Lee Kelly; sister, Jean “Sissy” Carolyn Kelly Green; brother, Robert S. Wozencraft; nephew, Chris Manson (Carolyn) and close friends, Kent and Elita McRae; along with a host with family and friends and his sweet fur baby, Sybil the cat.  

In his career spanning almost 40 years, John worked at First American National, First South, and Simmons Bank, where he held the position of Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending until his well-deserved retirement. 

Known for his exceptional customer service and his corny dad jokes that never failed to bring a smile to those around him, John was highly respected by colleagues and clients alike.

Beyond the office, John's true joy stemmed from spending quality time with his loved ones and indulging in his favorite hobbies. A man of faith, he dedicated many moments to learning about the word of God. 

His passion for cooking manifested in the form of smoked meats prepared on his beloved PK Grill, bringing together his family and friends over music and good laughs.

During his younger years, John could often be spotted on the golf course with his trusted set of golf clubs. However, his proudest accomplishments were as a doting grandfather who spared no effort in showering his grandchildren with love and creating lasting memories with them.

May he rest in peace knowing that his legacy lives on through those whose lives he enriched with his presence.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on June 17, 2024, at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home (8801 Knoedl Ct.).