Nathan "Nate" Regene Kelley

Nathan (Nate) Regene Kelley, 86, of Greenville, left on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Greenville Memorial Hospital. Born in Winfield Kansas, he was a son of the late Monford Glenn Kelley and the late Leroy Ethel Martin Kelley. Nathan was retired from the United States Air Force having faithfully served for 35 years. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked with Cryovac and Highland Lake Homes. He was a member of Upstate Church of Christ in Greer, SC. His life was a living example of his favorite Bible verse, Ephesians 4:32 “and be kind and compassionate to one another forgiving one another just as God also forgave you in Christ”. He is loved very deeply by all the countless lives he touched. Surviving is his wife of 64 years, Nora (Jeannie) Jean Kelley; his daughter, Teresa Kelley Greenleaf (Steven); his granddaughter, Alexandria Greenleaf McCraw (Cameron); a great grandson, Lincoln Ray McCraw and his brother, Gleen Kelley from Florida. He leaves behind a dear sister-in-law, Jerri Bailey O’Donald, whom he loved very much. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two sisters, Glenda Kelley Smith and Patricia Kelley Palmer. During Nathan’s stay in the Memorial Hospital, we want to thank “the Hospice of the Foothills”, 5th floor nursing, his dearest wife Jeannie, his dearest sister-in-law, Jerri O’Donald, his daughter Teresa, Steven, Granddaughter Alexandria and husband Cameron and great grandson Lincoln for the countless hours they spent day by day by his side. We could never forget his dear friend Rosie Scott who always met their needs at 6 AM with coffee. His precious Benji for always coming into his room to sing to Nathan. Her last song was “Amazing Grace”. And a Special Thank You to all the others that gave him such great care during his difficult time. Nathan will have a Military Funeral with Honors by the Department of Defense to provide a dignified Tribute including Taps, and a 21 Gun Salute. It was an honor for four years for Nathan serving as a Load Master on “Air Force One” during President John F. Kennedy’s administration. This was a truly unique and significant experience. This was a role that played a vital part in ensuring the safe and secure transport of the President and his staff. A visitation was held on Thursday, June 19th, 2025, at The Howze Mortuary. A Private Family Graveside service will be held at a later date. The family will be at the home. The Howze Mortuary, Travelers Rest is in charge of arrangements. (864) 834-8051

Nathan "Nate" Regene Kelley

August 25, 1938 - June 10, 2025