Walter Lee Kelliehan, Sr., born March 19, 1926, was the second child of three born from the union of Isaac Williams Kelliehan and Mozella Cooks Kelliehan. Siblings Isaac W. Kelliehan, Jr. and Bernard Kelliehan grew up with Walter in this loving household. Later, his father remarried and had Carol Orange, Louise Rawlings, and Melvin Kelliehan.
Walter graduated from Cuyler Beach High School and attended Georgia State College. In 1943, Walter left college to join the United States Navy, Seabees. After serving three years to this country, Walter left the Navy seeking a more rewarding career. In 1950, he married the love of his life, Annie Elizabeth Timmons Kelliehan, and they raised 10 children together.
Around 1962, Walter moved his family, Annie, seven children, two nephews and a niece, from Savannah, Georgia to New York City. After living in Manhattan for less than a year and having gainful employment with the U.S. Postal Service, Walter decided he did not want to raise his children in the city.
Walter and Annie were both raised with God fearing parents and made sure to pass their teachings onto their own children. The family joined Bethlehem Methodist Church of Staten Island, NY. Giving his children the Christian Life, he kept them in church: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.
In 1974, Walter moved to Gary, Indiana. Walter and Annie joined New Mount Sinai Baptist Church of Gary, IN, and remained there until the Lord called his beloved Annie, “Handful”, home in 1994.
In 2009, Walter joined his daughter, Mozella Brown, in San Diego, CA.
Walter did not miss the cold, snowy days of Indiana. He enjoyed the warm, sunny days of San Diego. Having the Love of God and obeying God’s word, Walter joined Bethel Baptist Church shortly after arriving to San Diego and later learned he shared a special day with the leader of the flock, Dr. John W. Ringgold. Unfortunately, Walter’s health began to fail and he could no longer travel.
Walter passed away on June 4, 2024.
Walter was proceeded in death by his wife of 42 years, Annie E. Kelliehan, son James A. Kelliehan, and daughter Janice L. Kelliehan-Cooley.
He was survived by his remaining children; Mozella Brown of San Diego, CA, Walter L. Kelliehan (Neuza) of North Carolina, Evonne Thomas of New York, NY, Deidra Simington of Alabama, David Kelliehan, Deborah Young, Ronnie G. Kelliehan (Sharron), Stacy C. Alford, and Patricia Brady, all of Gary, IN, and Donna Smith of Arizona. Walter Lee Kelliehan lineage is strong and extends beyond 100+ grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, family, and friends.
FULL OBITUARY IS AVAILABLE ON ANDERSON – RAGSDALE MORTUARY WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK PAGE.
