Truck Writers of North America

Friday, July 29, 2005

KENNETH CHARLES KELLEY has passed away - 7/21/05

Ken Kelly
November 16, 1930 - July 21, 2005

Charlotte NC, July 21, 2005 WDB...Veteran truck industry journalist Ken Kelley passed away at his home in Charlotte, North Carolina, on the morning of July 21, 2005, after a lengthy battle with complications from Multiple Sclerosis. Ken is survived by his wife Lorene, one brother, three sons, four daughters, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. The date of passing also marked Ken and Lorene’s 54th wedding anniversary.

Born in Sharpsville, Pennsylvania, Kelley began his lifelong journalism career during junior college as a sports writer for the Youngstown Vindicator. In 1951, following his graduation with honors from Duke University, he joined the Durham Morning Herald as a reporter and copy reader. Ken held subsequent newspaper positions in Richmond, Virginia and Canton, Ohio, before moving to the Detroit area, where he spent the bulk of his career.

In Detroit, Ken quickly found a specialty in covering all things automotive, eventually leading to a senior position with the industry’s leading journal, Automotive News. In 1971, Ken started a freelance writing business where his work covering everything from mini-trucks up through heavy specialized haulers appeared in hundreds of publications over a period spanning more than three decades.

To keep up with the latest automotive developments, Ken was involved with many industry groups including the Society of Automotive Engineers and the Edison Electric Institute. He was also a charter member of many press organizations including the Detroit Auto Writers Group, Truck Writers of North America, Automotive Press Association, and the South East Automotive Media Organization.

Early in 1999, with the aid of his wife and son, Kelley relocated to North Carolina, where he continued writing part-time until his retirement in December of 2003. A fan of the Duke Blue Devils’ basketball program, Ken particularly enjoyed being able to catch the local broadcasts of ACC games and playoffs.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Friday, July 29, 2005, at Saint Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (http://www.nmss.org).