Lee Davis Kelley
October 2, 1946 - October 7, 2021

Lee Davis Kelley, USAFA Class of 1968, passed away in Portland, Maine, on Oct. 7, 2021, following an extended illness. Lee was born on Oct. 2, 1946. in New London, Conn. His years at the Air Force Academy were brightened by musical activities. The trips he was able to take with the choir and chorale were highlights of his cadet experience. Following graduation, Lee earned a master’s degree in philosophy at the University of Massachusetts.

After graduate school, Lee trained as an intelligence officer, and was assigned to Task Force Alpha at Nakhon Phanom Air Base in Thailand. He took advantage of this assignment to learn about the people and their culture. He completed his Air Force commitment with distinction as an analyst at Offutt AFB.

Following the Air Force, Lee successfully pursued a variety of avocations and vocations. He managed one of the first modern health food stores in California. He became a West Coast distributor of health food products from San Diego to San Francisco. He explored the Scientology movement, but became disillusioned with it, and then returned to his New England roots. He continued to perform musically, singing and spending many hours at the piano, where he mastered many of Bach’s masterpieces.

Lee also loved being on the water. He particularly enjoyed sharing these experiences with his son, Seth. Lee was a fearless sailor. He was frequently seen dodging storms in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Maine, and skillfully returning to safe harbors. One of his favorite adventures was to explore uninhabited islands many miles out to sea. It wasn’t unusual to see him clinging to the trampoline of his Hobie 16 in January, with ice in his beard and a smile on his face. Lee also enjoyed the beautiful lakes of Maine. His favorite place was the family camp in Litchfield, where he spent hours sailing and snorkeling.

In Maine, Lee discovered his true vocation. In 1985, he was hired by Media Power, in Portland Maine, as a computer programmer. He quickly advanced beyond programming to managing all information technologies for the company. He enjoyed this career, and successfully pursued it for 25 years.

Lee always found ways to have fun, and to succeed. It can’t be said that he found one true passion in life but had many passions. He was mostly defined by his love of music, his love of sailing, his love of family and his adventurous spirit. Without doubt, Lee did it his way.

Lee Kelley was preceded in death by his father, Fred Kelley; his mother Jean (Dickson) Kelley; and his brother, Roy Kelley. Lee is survived by his sisters, Ann Kelley and Sue (Kelley) Kinnan; his first wife, Carol, and their daughter Alice; his second wife, Karla; and his third wife, Lashell, their son Seth, daughter-inlaw Jamie McCann; and Lee’s grandsons Luke, Lincoln and Liam.
                                                                                                            (Lee’s sister Sue, and brother-in-law Tim, USAFA ’70)