Wilsey Scott Kelly 1945-2026

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) —

Wilsey Scott Kelly, 80, of Vicksburg, Mississippi, peacefully entered the arms of his Savior on Saturday, June 27, 2026.

Wilsey was born on October 15, 1945, to Wilsey Theodore Kelly and Lucille Scott Kelly. He attended Saint Aloysius Catholic School, where he proudly played football before graduating in 1962. He went on to attend and graduate from Mississippi State University, laying the foundation for a distinguished career in public service.

Wilsey dedicated much of his professional life to the State of Mississippi, serving as Director of the Mississippi Crime Laboratory, where he was respected for his leadership, integrity, and commitment to justice.

On November 29, 1968, he married the love of his life, Bettye Cooper Kelly. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and love.
An avid outdoorsman, Wilsey found great joy in hunting and fishing. He was a proud member of Tallulah Hunting Club, Tri County Hunting Club, and the Choctaw Fishing and Supper Club. Whether he was in a deer stand, on the water, or sharing stories with friends, he cherished every opportunity to enjoy God’s creation. Above all else, Wilsey’s greatest joy was his family. He treasured every moment spent with Bettye, his daughters, and his grandchildren. He will be remembered for his generous heart, infectious laugh, unwavering love for his family, and the kindness he showed to everyone he met. His legacy of love, strength, and faith will live on through those who knew and loved him.

Wilsey was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bettye Cooper Kelly and his parents, Wilsey Theodore Kelly and Lucille Scott Kelly.

He is lovingly survived by his daughters, India (Buddy) Wooten and Holly (Chad) Surber; his cherished grandchildren, Logan Surber, Mary Makenna Wooten, Wil Wooten, and John Carter Wooten; his brother, Michael Kelly; his dear cousins, Raymond May and Dinnie Johnston; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many lifelong friends who will deeply miss him.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Joseph Wilson and the compassionate staff of CenterWell Home Health, especially Scharlett, Anna, Hunter, Connie, Lindsey, and Kaitlyn, for the exceptional care and kindness they provided. They also extend their sincere appreciation to Allison Poole, ICU nurse at Baptist Medical Center, for her outstanding compassion and care.

A visitation will be held from 10 AM to 12 PM on Tuesday, July 7 at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home, 5000 Indiana Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Micah’s Mission, a ministry that held a special place in Wilsey’s heart because of the incredible impact it has had on his grandson, Wil Wooten. Contributions may be sent to: Micah’s Mission 900 Crawford Street �Vicksburg, MS 39180 ; Venmo: @micahsmission