Timothy J. Kelly, of Ocala, Florida, passed away peacefully on 16 March 2023, just shy of his 73rd birthday.
Tim was born 26 March 1950 in southern Florida where he first got the taste for ranch life and developed a life-long love of horses, cattle, dogs and every other critter. His family’s cattle and horse ranch wonderfully impacted the trajectory of his life and he developed a special affinity with animals.
In high school, he represented the State of Florida as State President of the Future Farmers of America (FFA), played football, and developed life-long friendships that endure to this day.
Throughout his life, he was blessed to get to live both the “simple” life where he loved to develop some of the best race horses as well as was able to travel the world — both as as an equine specialist and as a man who loved nature, the backcountry and unique American history. Most notably, Tim was known for his quick wit, unique insight and always enjoyed connecting with others via humor and a genuine laugh.
Tim was predeceased by his parents James “Jim” and Jeanne Kelly and sister Kathleen. He is survived by his daughter Laura; son Joshua (Carlene) and his triplet grandchildren Logan, Joseph and Morgan, whom he so adored; as well as his long-time loving partner Susan.
A small gathering and celebration of life will be held late March 2023 (TBD). In lieu of flowers, the family humbly requests his friends share a laugh with a loved one and/or any donations be made to Hospice Marion County who ensured that his last days were peaceful and with comfort, or to a local animal charity.