Albert Kelley

Albert Murray Kelley, 83 of Brazoria, Texas passed away Monday, February 8, 2016 in Galveston, Texas. He was born January 12, 1933 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Houston, Texas to Isaac Kennard and Annie Winifred (Tevis) Kelley. Murray was a well-known and highly respected business owner in Brazoria for many years. He married the love of his life and mother of his children Julia Ann (Walden) Kelley in 1957. His self-employed career began with his interest in automobiles and the opening of Murray's Auto Service. He was a top rate mechanic in his community for a long period of time until he envisioned an even better plan. It was then that Murray opened up one of the first convenient stores in Brazoria County, Kelley's Jiffy Mart along with Kelley and Son Automotive & Tire. That dream opened many doors for him and his family and created an avenue to pursue his love of car racing and deer hunting. His love of fast cars began when his father bought him and his brother their first Model T at only 13 years old. From that point forward he was hooked. Over the years many fans followed Murray and his crew across the country, watching race after race, making life long memories. He passed on his racing legacy to his son, Albert, and at age 83 was able to relive his passion. He was happiest when he was in the "pit" with his family getting ready for the next race.
As a young boy Murray's father was a Captain for the Texas Prison System so he was raised on several different units including Retrieve, Clemens and Central in Sugar Land, Texas. He has shared many stories over the years of what that was like and it was there where his roots were planted and his father instilled in him the importance of honor and integrity. Murray's life was a reflection of that which he passed on through his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his children, Robin Goolsby (Thomas Ray) of Brazoria; Albert Kelley (Patricia) of Brazoria; Rhonda Jackson (Scott) of Damon; and Derek Brzozowski (Carla) of Angleton; sister, Verna Kelley of Angleton along with grandchildren, T.Ray (Erin), Trey and Kendra Goolsby; Kate Kelley, Sarina Padgett and Cheyenne Shaw; Colton (Nikki) and Kaley Jackson and Haley Brzozowski and soon-to-be first great grandchild Ava Maraye Goolsby. He is preceded in death by his parents, Isaac and Annie Kelley; the mother of his children, Julia Ann Kelley; brothers, Robert Kelley, Theodore (Doughboy) Kelley, I.K. Kelley and Jackie Kelley. You are invited to a "Farewell Celebration" on Friday, February 19, 2016 at the KC Hall in Brazoria at 3:00 in the afternoon. Following a brief service we invite you to share with us any stories or memories that you may have with Murray. The family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be made in honor of Murray payable to the Bethel Scholarship Fund at Bethel Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 817, West Columbia, Texas 77486.

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