Page 8 - Lubbock Senior Link Magazine Summer 2022 - Online Magazine

JERRY KELLEY

The Heart OF A

RespondeR

by Barbara Mandry

in March 1961 when he joined the
United States Army. He completed
his basic training at Ft. Hood and
became a radar mechanic, later
stationed at Ft. Huachuca, Arizona;
Ft. Dix, New Jersey; and then, for 17
months, in Baumholder, Germany.
While in Germany, Jerry spent 30
days on the border, watching a tank
battery. “The warmest I ever saw
was 10 degrees below zero,” Jerry
chillingly recalls. After a mass move
with the 11th Air Assault Division,
he finished out his military career in
Ft. Benning, Georgia.

Not long after serving his country
he Bible says that “God A first responder must first be in the Army, Jerry married Linda
looks at the heart of a man responsive. Google defines Dotson. These two love birds have
Tto determine his character” responsive as “reacting quickly been married since April 1965. Both
(1 Samuel 16:7). Jerry Kelley is and positively, appropriately, say, “We have had a great life! God
definitely a character! When asking sympathetically; sensitive.” My has blessed us so much.” They lived
others about Jerry Kelley, the first family has known Jerry and Linda happily together in their Woodrow
reaction is a smile or a chuckle, then Kelley for decades. We have found Road home until moving to Mineral
“He has a big heart, a servant’s heart them both always eager to respond Wells in 2020 to be closer to their
… he’s a generous and loving man to the needs of others with kindness daughter, Misty Nix, and her family.
… a friend forever.” Firefighter, and lots of joy and laughter. The
soldier, businessman, plumber, pilot, Kelleys are truly the kind of In October 1969, Jerry continued his
benefactor, missionary, baker, dental “responders” who make the lives of passion to serve others by joining
assistant, host, and friend of GOD others brighter. the Lubbock Fire Department. Jerry
and man, Jerry Kelley has the heart remembers receiving the “basics”
of a true responder. Jerry began responding to the needs on “the operation of the entire fire
of others through his military service
department” while in Rookie School.

8 Lubbock Senior Link