Obituary for Hadden Kelly

HADDEN THOMAS KELLY, age 17, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Monday, September 15, 2025, at Dodge County Hospital.

 The family will receive friends and family in Eastman First Baptist from 2:00PM-4:00PM Monday, September 22. Funeral services will be held at 4:00PM, Monday, September 22, at Eastman First Baptist Church, with Rev. Ricky Gilmore and Mr. Chad Kelly officiating, with interment in Chauncey City Cemetery.

 Hadden was born in Dublin, GA, on July 25, 2008, to Mary Elizabeth “Beth” Kelly and Jess Kelly. Hadden was a lifelong resident of Dodge County and a Junior at Dodge County High School, where he excelled as a student and as a student athlete on the Golf Team. He attended Eastman First Methodist Church. Hadden was full of life from the moment he was born. He had a smile that could light up the darkest of places, a wit that rivaled few, and the purest love of golf. He was driven and put his full heart into everything he did. He was caring, selfless, humble, hardworking, kind, motivated, and the funniest person around. Family was everything to Hadden. He loved his family more than even golf and enjoyed every ounce of time he got to spend with them. But most of all, Hadden loved God. He had a deep connection with his faith and enjoyed going to church with his family and girlfriend. Hadden was an exceptional golfer. His talent was inspiring and beautiful. His best day on the golf course was the day he finally bested his father. He was a member of the Georgia State Golf Association and the Georgia Junior PGA. His love, friendship, and impact will live on.

 Hadden is survived by his Father and Mother – Jess Brandon Kelly and Mary Elizabeth “Beth “Jones Kelly, of Eastman; Brother – Grayson Kelly of Eastman; Girlfriend – Emmalyn Wright of Milan; Maternal Grandparents – Susan Jones Collins and Danny Collins of Eastman; Paternal Grandparents – John C. Kelly and Linda Smith Kelly, of Chauncey; Aunts and Uncles – John C. Kelly, Jr. (Chrisa), Stephanie Drake (Tim), Dyanna Evans (Brandon), Dustin Collins, Colby Collins, Kyle Collins, and Danielle Collins; Cousins – Colt Drake (Amy), Carrigan Drake, Gavin Drake, Hannah Price (Michael James), Jonathan Kelly, Thomas Evans, Bowen Evans, Gunner Noles, C.J. Berryhill, and Chance Collins; Great-Aunts and Uncles – Saralyn K. Entrekein (Marshall), Brinda K. Stanley, Linda K. Covington (Melton), Kerry K. Graham (Wayne), Frankie Loyd, Gloria Jean Hilliard Kelly, Joe Smith (Pam), Judy Smith Hunt, Brenda Smith Dohn, Phillip Mike Jones (Lila), John Bunn, and Franklin Bunn (Sabrina); Countless friends.

 The family may be contacted at the residence of John and Linda Kelly, 1010 Chauncey-Dublin Hwy., Chauncey, GA. In addition to flowers, the family requests contributions to the Dodge County High School Golf Team, % Dodge County High School, 350 Pearl Bates Rd., Eastman, GA 31023 in honor of Hadden and his love of golf.