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TO EXPRESS PROFOUND SORROW UPON THE PASSING OF MOSES BENJAMIN KELLY OF BLYTHEWOOD, TO CELEBRATE HIS LIFE, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the House of Representatives was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Moses Benjamin Kelly of Blythewood on December 5, 2019, at the age of ninety-six; and
Whereas, born February 21, 1923, in Uno, Virginia to William and Martha Finks Kelly, Moses was the fourth of six children. Much of his early life was spent diligently helping his father work on the family farm, or as a hired hand to another farmer in the area. At eighteen years old, however, when the opportunity arose Moses caught the first bus to Washington D.C., where he found employment with the U.S. Government Printing Office as a forklift operator. Through a combination of determination and hard work he began to excel. This wouldn't last though as he would begin a new stage of his life when he was drafted into the military; and
Whereas, he was initially drafted in 1943 into the 24th Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army Air Corps. He served in this regiment, which was among one of the first U.S. Army divisions to see combat in World War II until 1946. He went on to join the regular Army, undergoing basic training at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas. He was first assigned to Hamilton Army Airfield Base in California, and then moved in 1948 when he was assigned to overseas duty in Japan. It was during this time that Moses distinguished himself as both an exceptional leader and military soldier despite the difficulties he faced during the military's transition from a policy of segregation to open service. Regardless of circumstance, he performed each task with diligence, dedication, and excellence; and
Whereas, in 1950 Moses was assigned to Fort Knox, Kentucky, where he was selected to attend the coveted Non-Commissioned Officers Academy. Upon completion of his studies, he was immediately selected to teach leadership principles and leadership traits. In 1953, Moses was assigned to Camp McCauley, Austria where he was one of only two African American instructors. In this position he became known as a "Master Motivator," and eventually achieved the rank of First Sergeant. Responsible for a company of over one hundred and fifty men, Moses was a stern, but effective, leader who flourished in his position; and
Whereas, a lifetime learner, Moses attended numerous military training opportunities, until 1965 when he retired from the Army after twenty-two years of notable and distinguished military service. Despite retiring from the Army, he still felt he had much to offer his country. Turning to law enforcement, he began work at the U.S. Treasury Department in Washington, D.C. as a security officer responsible for enforcing extraordinary protective measures in restricted areas. In time, he found an opportunity and transitioned to the U.S. Secret Service. In this new position, he had the honor and privilege of serving five former presidents: Nixon, Carter, Ford, Reagan, and Bush. On April 30, 1990, he retired after having served expertly in this capacity for over twenty-three years; and
Whereas, following his retirement, he and his wife Eleanor settled in Blythewood. There he joined the Good Aim Baptist Church, was baptized, taught Adult Sunday School classes, and served as a church trustee. In addition to his time at the church, Moses indulged in many activities including farming, caring for farm animals, and spending time with his family, among other past times; and
Whereas, Moses Benjamin Kelly leaves many to cherish his memory. He will be remembered and honored as a man of character, honesty, and integrity and will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express profound sorrow upon the passing of Moses Benjamin Kelly of Blythewood, celebrate his life, and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Ms. Eleanor Kelly.
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