Kelly, Glen.  Born 5/28/47.  Died 9/4/2024.  Glen Kelly, a beloved father, husband, grandfather, teacher, coach and strong mentor passed away peacefully at the age of 77. Born in Sparkman, Arkansas to Willie Junior and Louise Craig Kelly, Glen was a man who dedicated his life to shaping young lives and making a lasting impact on the community.

At the age of 3, Glen and his family joined the great migration moving to Duluth, Minnesota where his father worked for the Duluth Works, a complex operated by the United States Steel Corporation.

Glen attended Duluth Public Schools excelling in both academics and athletics. He became an outstanding football player at Denfeld High School earning All-City honors in both his junior and senior years. After high school Glen played football at the University of Minnesota-Duluth where he made a name for himself as an offensive lineman and was honored with the Glen Johnson offensive lineman of the year award in 1969. Glen graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education and a minor in history that same year.

In 1970 Glen was recruited by Dr. Leonard Murtaugh the deputy superintendent of the Flint Community Schools to teach and coach here in Flint. For a wonderful 32 years Glen served as a dedicated educator, coach and athletic director at Northwestern High School influencing countless students and athletes with wisdom, guidance and unwavering support. His passion for sports was evident holding numerous positions including head coach of the junior varsity football team, the girl's golf team, the boy's varsity tennis team and the varsity Northwestern football coach. He led his varsity football team to two Flint city series championships and a Saginaw Valley West championship.

Glen's commitment to education extended beyond coaching. He earned his Masters in Physical Education from Eastern Michigan University in 1975 and achieved his Masters in Athletic Administration in 2000. He retired from coaching in 1990 to serve as Northwestern's Athletic Director until his retirement in 2002. Glen received numerous accolades throughout his career including Region 8 Football Coach of the Year, Region 8 Athletic Director of the Year, a lifetime membership award from the Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association and the Lloyd Peterson Community Service Award from the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

Glen was a man of deep dedication to his family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Lady Diana C. Kelly of Flint, MI and two sons, Jason (Stephanie) Kelly of Fort Myer, VA and Darin (Lorrice) Kelly of Flint, MI. He was an extremely proud grandfather to Jacob Kelly of New Orleans, LA, Zachary Kelly at Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA, and those beautiful twin girls, Sydney and Courtney Kelly of Flint, MI all of whom brought him endless joy and pride. Glen is also survived by one sister, Shirley Vega of Glenview, IL, and four brothers, Clifton Brian (Sue) Kelly of Warwick, RI, Clifford Alan Kelly of Houston, TX, Michael (Hope) Fails of Milwaukee, WI and Patrick (Jill) Fails of Owatonna, MN. He leaves behind two aunts, Rosie Lee (John) Hope of San Antonio, TX and Minnie Pearl Craig of Carthage, AR along with his special cousins Joyce (Glen) of Sugar Land, TX and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Glen was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Kelly, and Louise Kelly Fails, two brothers, Charles Kelly, Roger Dale Kelly, four sisters, Rose Brown, Deborah Kelly, Veverly Scurry and Mary Kelly.

Glen's legacy of love, leadership and dedication will forever live in our lives and his family, friends, former students and colleagues. His presence will be deeply missed by all those who were fortunate enough to know him. A life well lived, Glen Kelly leaves behind a powerful legacy of service, mentorship and community impact.
Posted By: Administrator - 01-23-2025
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