He went from the family farm in Vaughan to the front lines of war as a motorcycle messenger.
He is an expert when it comes to raising rose bushes and knows a thing or two about laying hens.
He rescues animals, provides ski instructions and gives back to his community.
He is a loving family man and a devoted church member.
And with 100 years under his belt, John Kelly Moore’s story is one for the ages.
“He has a big heart full of compassion and generosity,” said Marilyn Moore Brunt, John Kelly’s daughter. “He still has a great smile, is fun loving and would gladly give you the shirt off his back.”
John Kelly will celebrate his 100th birthday with a community celebration on July 31 from 2-4 p.m. at Ellison United Methodist Church.
John Kelly’s life covers several bases from farmer and soldier to husband and father to chicken man and even rose expert.
But it all began on a hot summer day in Deasonville.
John Kelly was born on August 2, 1916 to James Sims and Mable Dixon Moore. He attended Deasonville School and graduated from Benton High School in 1936. He would later graduate from Copiah Lincoln Junior College in Wesson, in the Class of 1938.
It didn’t take long for John Kelly to return home after college. It was on the family farm that his young life resumed.
Until February of 1943 when he entered the Army.
“He served in England, Germany, France, and Belgium with the 3rd Armored Division as a motorcycle messenger delivering orders from the base camp to the front lines,” Marilyn recalls.
When he was discharged in 1945, John Kelly returned to farming with his brother James H. Moore. Farming remained in his blood until his retirement.
John Kelly married Helen Chapman McDaniels from Vaughan in October 1948. They have two children, Wayne Moore and Marilyn Moore Brunt and four grandchildren, Kristi Wade Jones, Wendy Wade Tate, Kelly Scott Fulgham, and Kelly Wayne Moore.
They also have six great grandchildren.
The land is where John Kelly gets his strength. Marilyn said her father loves farming and the soil.
“Before he retired, he started dabbling in roses,” she said. “This project continued to grow as he raised as many as 500 plus rose bushes. Everyone loved his flowers, and he always wanted to share roses with them.”
John Kelly and Helen loved their flowers too, including over 300 day lilies.
“Dad also has muscadine vines, blueberry bushes, and of course, the vegetable gardens,” Marilyn said. “I say gardens because up until about three years ago, Dad had two gardens.”
“Did I mention that he also bought a riding lawnmower for his 98th birthday,” she added. “He was pretty rough on mowers.”
When he wasn’t on his farm or with his roses, John Kelly loved being outdoors either hunting or fishing.
It would be outside where he found comfort...and another hobby.
“Throughout the years, in addition to farming, he had several hundred laying hens,” Marilyn said.
And it was a family affair.
Marilyn would often accompany her father to Yazoo City and Canton to deliver the eggs.
“I always thought that was fun and everybody always seemed so happy to see John Kelly,” she said. “That made me feel so proud of my Daddy.”
From bird dogs to a rescued fox named Bozo, the Moore home was always filled with animals.
“The fox was lovingly taken home and fed with a baby bottle,” Marilyn said. “What fun Mom, Dad and the family had with the fox. Bozo would ride in the back seat of the car whenever Mom and Dad went to town.”
The Moore family could also often be found on the water as well. John Kelly built a ski boat and even offered lessons.
“I have lost count of how many people learned to ski with Dad or Mom or others driving the boat round and round in the pond,” Marilyn said. “Dad never once showed any impatience with anyone trying to ski. He always smiled and encouraged them to go for it again. I love his laugh. I can hear it now.”
The Moore family are active members at Elison United Methodist Church as well. John Kelly and Helen served as youth counselors for 15 years.
John Kelly has grit and determination, and he isn’t worried about material things.
“He always dressed nicely for Sundays and other outings because of Mom’s choices,” Marilyn said. “I remember for work clothes at the field he always wore chambray shirts and blue Dickies.”
He rarely ordered anything other than gardening seeds or outdoor items. But there was one purchase he thought was too good of a deal to pass up.
“A package was delivered in the mail, and he had ordered a good supply of work shirts,” Marilyn said. “However, these shirts were pre-owned, maybe from a mechanic business. The shirts were personalized…Ed, Frank, Robert. It was a hoot when he would emerge each day sporting a different persona. You never knew who he would greet you as.”
Unfortunately John Kelly had a stroke about 20 years ago that affected his speech and mobility.
“But that has not decreased his determination to be as independent as he can or to keep him from interaction with friends and family,” Marilyn said.
The Moore family are excited to welcome 100 years of Mr. John Kelly. And he has certainly made a lasting impression already.
“His actions have been the best life lessons,” Marilyn said. “It’s a blessing to know that he is loved by everyone.”
