Mr. Charles Richard “Dickie” Kellam Sr., 82, of Keller, husband of Trudy Ward Kellam, passed away Sunday, July 14, 2024. Born Aug. 14, 1941, in Nassawadox, he was a son of the late Charles Frederick “Charlie” Kellam and the late Lois Chambers Kellam.
Following graduation from Central High School, Dickie answered the call to serve his country in the U.S. Army. Upon honorable discharge in 1962, he was commissioned to the CIA, serving in the Philippines, Pakistan, and Bangkok, Thailand, specializing in telecommunications. Dickie was very proud to have had the honor and privilege to be of service to our great nation for several years before returning home to the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
Once back home, he ran the Keller Filling Station, and his lifelong love for cars led him to establish Dick Kellam Auto Body, which he owned and operated for decades. His enthusiasm was shared with his friends working on “The Bad Banana” for the Tasley Mud Hops.
Dickie spent many summer evenings playing ball with “The Blues,” in which, after the games, both wins and losses were always celebrated with cold PBRs. Dickie was a loyal member of the Exmore Moose Lodge, where he spent many hours, both making things happen (4th of July) and drinking beer at the bar.
Dickie was kindhearted, and his love and generosity extended to all, young and old. He was in his glory when surrounded by family and friends. The Kellam home was known for its legendary porch parties, where holidays, birthdays, and NASCAR races were celebrated with Dickie’s cheeseburgers, cold beer, and lots of laughter. If you’re lucky, you’ve had a slice or two of his pizza or experienced his signature Christmas morning breakfast.
Dickie loved his family and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for them. He was affectionately known as “Pop” to not only his grandchildren, but to most children he came in contact with. Everyone loved Pop.
Everything Dickie Kellam was will live on through those he leaves behind — his wife, Trudy Ward Kellam; children, Charles R. “Richie” Kellam Jr. (Teresa), of Painter, Jayanne Bridges (Read), of Keller, Jesse Mariner (Lisa), of Melfa, and Ariel Bishop (James), of Parksley; sisters and brother, Sandra Russell (Dickie), Gail Longo, and Tim Kellam (Vicki); stepchildren, Jason Calloway (Heather), of Hacksneck, and Elizabeth Gibbons (Garry), of Jamesville; grandchildren, Katelynn Krassowski (Chad), Billy Kellam (Eva), Daisey and Wyatt Callaway, Miranda and Cailee Gibbons, and Mason and Justice Mariner, and many great-grandchildren. In addition, he leaves behind his former wife, Jadean Watkinson (mother of Richie and Jayanne). He was predeceased by a former wife, Debbie Justice Kellam (mother of Jesse).
A service to celebrate Dickie’s life was conducted from the chapel of the Williams-Onancock Funeral home on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Bobby Parks officiating. Following the service, family and friends gathered at the Exmore Moose Lodge to share a cold one in honor of Dickie.
Contributions in Dickie’s memory may be made to Riverside Shore Cancer Center, P.O. Box 430, Onancock, VA 23417.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at
www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements were by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
