Richard Charles Kelly

On November 28, 2023, Richard Charles Kelly went to be with his Lord and Savior. Rick was 80 years old and from Midland, Texas born on February 19, 1943, in Stockton, California to Harold Francis and Beatrice Marsha Kelly. The family moved to Midland in 1948 where he graduated from Midland High School and in 1965 from Sul Ross University with a BA in History and Government. Rick served in Naval Intelligence during the Vietnam era and was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal. He became a Brewery Representative for Miller Brewing Company following his service.

In 1975, Rick and his business partner acquired Champion Beers of Brazoria County with Rick becoming the General Manager and co-owner. He met and married Bette Bell Morehead in 1976. Parenting three sons, Charles, Clay, and Jeff Morehead. 

Rick was preceded in death by Charles in 1989. He is survived by his wife Bette, as well as children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was grandfather to Drew and wife Shanna, Tasha, Christopher and Jessica Morehead, great-grandchildren Emma Sue and Ethan Morehead, uncle to nephew Robert Kelly, and nieces Kathleen Hernandez and Kristine Kelly.

Rick and family relocated to Boerne, Texas in 1981 where he resumed his entrepreneurial endeavors with Car Washes, Storage Units, and property investments while his wife Bette was busy with her own Boutique/Gift Shop.

In 1991, Rick became a co-owner and General manager of a Fredericksburg, Texas Beer Distributorship until the fall of 2000. Moving to Alpine, Texas, Rick and Bette acquired Aerolite Auto Rentals now known as Alpine Auto Rental and Sales.

Rick was a member of The Ambassadors of Alpine, served as a member on the Big Bend Regional Memorial Hospital Board and an Executive Board Member of Alpine’s Post 79 American Legion. Recipient of many awards throughout his business life with Alpine “Businessperson of the Year” and Sul Ross Sammy Baugh Award, Co-Founder of the 100 Club of Brazoria County, Texas. He was also known for never meeting a stranger and selling many, many fundraising tickets for local civic organizations and all good causes.

Rick loved the Constitution of the United States, History and Geography. Above all, he loved his family and friends and was very patriotic and loyal to his country.

An old fashion Irish Wake will be held at the American Legion on Saturday, December 2nd from 2-4 pm.  A Celebration of Life will be announced in the near future.

The family requests memorial contributions be made to the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be left at: www.alpinememorialfuneralhome.com

Services have been entrusted to Alpine Memorial Funeral Home in Alpine, Texas.