Kelly is a native of Warner Robins, Georgia. He graduated from Northside High School and later attended Tomlinson College in Cleveland, Tennessee after finishing a tour in the US Army serving in Korea. While at Tomlinson College, he met his wife, Latricia [Burgess] and they have two children- Kelly III and Kaitlyn.

Most recently, Kelly has served as the Harvest Partner Coordinator for the Church of God of Prophecy International Headquarters in Cleveland, Tennessee.  Kelly's role was to help all local churches in North America to become connected with the mission fields around the world.