Leonard Dexter Kellis

Leonard Dexter Kellis, 56, of Seagrove, passed away on August 8, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family.

Leonard was born in Montgomery County on February 23,1967, to Leonard Nelson Kellis and Frances Harris Kellis Callicutt. Leonard started work at Rusmont Hosiery Mill as a maintenance worker and he proudly served in the Army National Guard for six years, where he gained recognition for his dedication and received the Army Service Ribbon and expert qualifications in both pistol and hand grenade.

Leonard then pursued a career in law enforcement. He achieved his BLET (Basic Law Enforcement Training) certification and went on to work with the Candor Police Department, Star Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, and the Mt. Gilead Police Department. Throughout his tenure as a law enforcement officer, he earned several awards such as Officer of the Year for 2009-2010 and the Sheriff's Accommodation Award. Additionally, he also worked for Aberdeen Carolina Western Railroad in Star and served as an insurance agent for Woodmen Life Insurance.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Bryan Inman.

He is survived by his wife Beverly Davis Kellis of the home; daughter Tara Pierce (Trevor) of Franklinville; sons Joshua Kellis (Alicia) of Biscoe and Jonathan Lamonds (BilliJo) of Seagrove; stepmother Shirley Kellis; brothers Chucky Kellis (Annie) of Star, and Steve Kellis (Robin) of Star; sisters Linda Sneed (Kenneth) of Candor; Doris Gray (Ricky) of Troy; Sandra Tucker (Will) of Albemarle and Vicky Mauldin (Mitch) of Troy. Twelve grandchildren (with another granddaughter expected to arrive in January) and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at Phillips Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00 pm.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 11, 2023, at Dover Baptist Church at 2:00 pm with Rev. Hawk Owens and Rev. Jim Hunsucker officiating. Burial will follow at the Kellis Family Cemetery in Candor.

Online condolences may be left at www.phillipsfh.com.

The Kellis family is being served by Phillips Funeral Home in Star.