Joseph Kelly Lifelong Pickford resident Joseph Clarence Kelly was a longtime employee of Pickford Co-op Grocery Store, where he became acquainted with many people during his years there.

He maintained many friends in the Pickford community. He was also a member of the National Guard 1437th Engineers of Sault Ste. Marie, and served his country for more than nine years.

He became a charter member of the Pickford American Legion Post 323. He was also a member of the Pickford Volunteer Ambulance Corps and Fire Department for more than 12 years.

Mr. Kelly was 54 when he died in his home Friday, July 13, 2007.

He was born June 27, 1953, in Lansing to Joseph James William and Idabelle Frances (nee Ribby) Kelly.

He was graduated from Pickford Public Schools in 1972. Shortly after graduation he met Debra Sue Cruickshank, and they were married June 22, 1973.

Mr. Kelly loved to fix things and tinker with machines, friends and family recalled. He was an avid angler and hunter. Friends said he was a devoted father and grandfather, devoting every Sunday to spending time with his granddaughters.

Mr. Kelly is survived by his wife, Debra; a son and his family, Joseph Jeremy and Linnea Kelly of Sault Ste. Marie; two granddaughters, Aurora and Alexis Kelly of Sault Ste. Marie; two sisters and their families, Debra and James Kott of Raber and Paula and Michael Socia of Oscoda, and an aunt and her family, Virginia and Clyde Parker of Stanford.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Idabelle, and uncles and aunts George and Gerry Kelly and Harrison and Ethel Rabineau.

Visitation was Tuesday evening, July 17, at Reamer Galer Funeral Home in Pickford.

The funeral will be Wednesday morning, July 18, at 11 a.m., also at Reamer Galer Funeral Home. The Reverend Ron Bown will lead the service.