JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – A beloved figure in the Jacksonville Beach community, Father William “Bill” Kelly, died on Tuesday at the age of 90.
Known for his decades of dedicated service, Father Kelly led St. Paul’s Catholic Church for nearly 40 years, growing it into one of the largest Catholic communities in the area and leaving a lasting impact on countless lives.
For more than 50 years, Father Kelly dedicated his life to the Church, embodying faith and service. Born in Castlerea, Ireland, he arrived in Florida in 1959 and served in various parishes across the state before settling in Jacksonville Beach in 1977. Under his leadership, St. Paul’s expanded significantly, both in congregation size and community outreach. He was instrumental in supporting local charities, including Mission House and the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
Father Kelly’s service extended beyond the parish. He played a key role in launching the Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry (BEAM), which continues to support local families facing financial hardships. He also served on the board of Pablo Towers, a retirement community, advocating for low-income seniors.
Even after retiring in 2015, Father Kelly remained deeply involved in ministry, visiting the sick, celebrating Mass, and mentoring younger priests. His impact reached beyond the pulpit, earning him recognition from both the Church and the Jacksonville Beach community.
On Thursday, Angie’s Subs in Jacksonville Beach updated their marquis to say “Father Kelly, Thank you.” Owner Ed Malin said Father Kelly leaves behind a big legacy.
“I can see, I can hear Father Kelly’s, Irish accent, saying my name every time he saw me, and every time he saw me, which is only a couple of times a year, you know, he always knew my name,” Malin said. “He always brought up my dad. He asked me about my family. And that story is being told many times today and for the next week, because so many people remember Father Kelly as he looked you in the eye when he talked to you, and he remembered things about you. It just always astonished me his memory. He was just such a great part of the Beach, and really, just such a great person. He always inspired me, whenever I talked to him, to be more like him.”
To honor Father Kelly, Angie’s Subs is running the “Father Kelly” special starting Friday. Traditionally offered during Lent, it’s a fried fish sandwich with American cheese and homemade tartar sauce.
“We’ll definitely continue that tradition, even though he’s gone on, he can smile down on it every year around Easter and see his name at Angie subs,” Malin said.
The Diocese of St. Augustine wrote that Father Kelly’s personal style of ministry made a lasting impression on countless lives.
“The priesthood is a difficult but rewarding life,” Father Kelly once said. “I’m glad I could be involved in so many people’s lives and be there for them when they need me. I’ve tried to make the world around us a little better. Working with other people to do this is especially rewarding. You meet some great people.”
His funeral will take place at St. Paul’s Catholic Church on March 4, with a livestream available for those unable to attend.
Monday, March 3
Visitation will be from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church, 523 Pablo Ave., Jacksonville Beach.
There will be no visitation after the Vigil.
The Vigil Service, also at St. Paul’s, will begin at 7:00 p.m. The presider and homilist will be Father Thomas Willis.
Tuesday, March 4
The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s, with Bishop Erik Pohlmeier as the presiding
celebrant. Msgr. Vincent Haut will be the homilist. The Mass will be livestreamed with a link posted on St. Paul’s website.
Committal will take place at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Cemetery at St. Peter Mission following the funeral mass.