Dustin Howell Kelley

Dustin Howell Kelley, 44, of Calhoun, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2026. He was born in Dalton, Georgia, on November 24, 1981, to Patty Godfrey Kelley and the late Bruce Kelley. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his brother, Brandon Kelley.

He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Joanna Kelley; daughter, Kayleigh Kelley; son, Kolter Kelley mother, Patty Kelley; sister, Miranda Kelley; nephews, Tyler Kelley, Oliver Gilbertson, Camden Cusick; nieces, Azlynne Kelley, Emory Whittinghill; father-in-law, Joe Whittinghill; brothers and sisters-in law, Brad (Lindy) Whittinghill, Morgan (Zack) Carnes. He also leaves behind the best dog in the world, Buddy.

To know Dustin was to love him. He had the biggest heart, both literally and figuratively, and was one of the most selfless people you could ever meet. He had a way of making everyone around him feel loved, cared for, and important.

Dustin loved his family more than anything in this world and took great pride in providing for them. His greatest joy was watching his children, Kayleigh and Kolter, do what they loved. Whether he was sitting in the stands watching Kayleigh play basketball or cheering from the sidelines as Kolter played football, he was always their biggest supporter and proudest dad.

Dustin was the kind of man who could fix just about anything he put his hands on, and if he could save a buck or two while doing it, even better. He was incredibly smart, resourceful, and the person everyone turned to when they needed an answer, advice, or simply someone who could figure things out.

Dustin and his wife, Joanna, met 22 years ago and built a life together that was filled with love, laughter, memories, and unwavering devotion. They were not only husband and wife, but best friends who loved each other unconditionally. Together, they created a family and a life they could be proud of.

Dustin was diagnosed with a heart condition at just 27 years old, but he never allowed it to define the way he lived. He continued to make the most of every day, creating memories, loving deeply, laughing often, and giving everything he had to the people he loved.

Above all, Dustin was a husband, a father, a son, a brother, and a friend. He made an impact on everyone fortunate enough to cross his path, and his absence will leave a space that can never truly be filled.

His life may have been far too short, but the love he gave, the lives he touched, and the memories he created will live on forever. Dustin will be deeply loved, forever remembered, and profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 2:00 PM from the chapel of Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home with Rev. Stacy Hensley officiating. Burial will follow in Fain Cemetery with Rev. Andrew Hight officiating. Pallbearers serving are Drew Darnell, Brent Plunkett, Ricki Fuller, Joe Whittinghill, Tyler Kelley, Brad Whittinghill, Camden Cusick, Zeshan "Zee" Sheikh, and Karter Bone. Honorary pallbearers are Jacob Hood, Eli Craig, Carson Maples, Braxen McMahan, and the Senior members of the Sonoraville High School Football Team.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to assist with final expenses. Donations can be made directly to Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home or on Dustin’s gofundme page.

GoFundMe Page

The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of Dustin Howell Kelley.