Hoyt Kelley, 96, of the Rock Hill Community in Panola County, Texas, passed away January 24, 2022, in Longview, Texas. Emory Hoyt Kelley was born December 30, 1925, in Tatum, Texas to the late Joe and Josie Craig Kelley. Hoyt served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII and was honorably discharged. He married Mary Evelyn Briggs on November 11, 1948, in Rusk County, Texas. Mr. Kelley worked for many years as a heavy equipment operator building roads and pipelines. He was of the Baptist faith and a member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Mr. Kelley is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Harold and Winston Kelley; sister, Joy Fay Pepper; half-brother, Joe Kelley, Jr; and half-sister, Sherry Moore.

Mr. Kelley is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Mary Evelyn Kelley; children, Keith Kelley and Loeda Patrick and husband David; half-sisters, Donie Kirkland, Emma Hardy, and Judy Ross; grandchildren, Brandon Kelley, Dana Spradley, Kelsey Shivers, and Kaleb Patrick; and great-grandchildren, Ashlynn Kelley, Jayden Kelley, Tavin Kelley, Toby Spradley, Ali Spradley, and Walter Patrick. Numerous other relatives and friends also survive Mr. Kelley.

A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, January 25, 2022, at the Harris Chapel Cemetery with Bro. Buddy Briggs officiating. Services are under the direction of Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.