Kelly's Life Summary

"A good reputation is more valuable than costly perfume. And the day you die is better than the day you are born." Ecclesiastes 7:1

Kelly Alexander King was born on August 18, 1969, in Miami, Florida, to Glenn Conyers King and the late Melvin King.

Kelly received his education through the Miami-Dade County Public School System. He attended R.R. Moton Elementary School, Southwood Middle School, and graduated from Miami Palmetto Senior High School in 1987. After high school, Kelly was awarded a football scholarship allowing him to attended Antelope Valley College in Lancaster, California, and later transferred to Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma. He also had the opportunity to play for the Miami Thunder, a semi-professional football team.

While growing up, Kelly had a deep passion for sports. In his early years, he played football for the Suniland Sundevils and the Palmetto Raiders. During his time at Palmetto Senior High School, Kelly excelled in both football and basketball, becoming one of the top high school athletes in Miami-Dade County. As a senior, known to many as "King," he wore jersey number 29 and was named an All-Dade County running back.

In both his junior and senior years, Kelly was voted the team's Most Valuable Player. He was also recognized as a First Team All-Conference running back both years, rushing for 1,100 yards during his senior season. His outstanding athletic performance earned him a place in Palmetto's Hall of Fame upon graduation. In the words of his high school coach, Coach Joe Mira, "Kelly was an outstanding and well-rounded individual who was appreciated and respected by everyone who encountered him.  He was the hype man in every huddle and the hardest worker in every game.  Among my favorite students and athletes, Kelly was a natural leader among his peers who led by example first."

Kelly continued his football career at Antelope Valley College, where he was again named Most Valuable Player. In a standout game against Los Angeles Southwest, Kelly carried the ball 18 times for 110 yards and caught three passes for 13 yards. Over the course of the season, he carried the ball 50 times for a total of 281 yards.

Kelly began coaching little league football at Palmetto Park around 2004 and continued through 2015. He then spent the 2015–2016 season coaching at Richmond Park before returning to Palmetto Park in 2017 as the running backs coach. Known affectionately as "Coach Kelly" by both players and coaching staff, he was deeply loved and respected by all.

Coach Kelly had a remarkable way of brightening any atmosphere with his infectious laughter and playful sense of humor. He was always cracking jokes and lifting spirits. Beyond his humor, he was incredibly dependable and committed, especially when it came to his love for football and mentoring the youth. His passion for the game and the kids he coached left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of working with him.

On May 21, 2025, Kelly's life journey came to a peaceful end, surrounded by the love of his family as he took his final breath. He is now at rest, smiling down from above. Kelly will forever be cherished in the hearts of all who loved him. His spirit lives on as a guardian angel to his devoted mother, Glenn Conyers King; his beloved brother, Reginald King; his children, Delphia King (Isaiah King), Kierra King, Kellie King, and Kavon King; and his stepchildren, Kendrick Daye, Kentrell Daye, and Kentron Daye.

He is also remembered fondly by his uncles, Byron Hunt and Harvey Cooper; his aunts, Barbara Alexander, Edna Conyers-Douglas, Betty Thomas, Erma King, Geneva Cooper, and Gwendolyn King; his grandchildren, godson, and a host of cousins, coaches, teammates, and lifelong friends.