Patrick Craig Kelly, 25, of Mill Spring, NC, beloved son and brother, passed away on Sunday, April 3, 2016.

Patrick was born on December 18, 1990 in Rutherfordton, N.C.  He attended Polk County High School and graduated in 2009.  From there, he had been pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering at Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington, N.C.  Patrick proudly served his county for 3 years in the North Carolina National Guard.

Patrick had a love for the outdoors, his hobbies included hunting, fishing, hiking and riding around in his truck, music blaring with his best friend, his dog, Bo. He loved baseball and played his whole life.  He was on the Polk County High School Varsity Baseball Team all four years of high school. Patrick loved his family and sought friendship in those who understood him.  He was a voice for kids bullied in school.

He is survived by his parents, Ricky and Jill Kelly, of the home, a sister, Chelsea Kelly of Wilmington, N.C., several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He also leaves behind his beloved dog and best friend “Bo”.

Patrick was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Marilyn Weicker, and Junior and Geraldine Kelly.

There will be no formal funeral services.  A gathering of family and friends will be announced at a later date to celebrate his life.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to their friends and family for their precious care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Anna’s Hope Memorial Fund c/o Community Foundation of Henderson County, P.O. Box 1108, Hendersonville, NC 28793, or online at www.Cfhcforever.org/AnnasHope.

One final thought. Go into everyday knowing that everyone is fighting a different battle.  The greatest thing someone can do is be kind and understanding.  We are all human beings and there is no greater blessing than kindness.  You never know when a helping hand or a kind word will change someone’s life forever.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

– Submitted by McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon, N.C.