Benjamin "BJ" Joseph Kelley

It is with hope and strength that we announce Benjamin "BJ" Joseph Kelley, age 48, of Port Royal, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 28, 2026, surrounded by the deep love he so freely gave throughout his lifetime.

To all who knew and loved him, BJ was a larger-than-life personality who lived his life like it was an endless movie reel where everyone around him was a main character. He moved through the world with a rare, gentle spirit of acceptance, ensuring that everyone felt welcome exactly as they were. Overcoming many obstacles in life, BJ possessed an infectious ability to awaken joy, courage, and confidence in others, not afraid to be a voice of reason, motivation and instigation. His main passion in life was helping people see their own power and abilities, showing them that it is always okay to love yourself and others. He effortlessly became best buddies to animals of all kinds and people who braved being true to themselves.

Once a Warrior, always a Warrior. BJ was a proud 1996 graduate of Eminence High School and an original "SlopDog" in the trenches. Back in his day, BJ was a powerhouse athlete, making hard-nosed plays and big tackles for a state-record-holding defense. He also held individual state records in both the bench press and deadlift for many years. He carried that same immense strength and grit throughout his life, pairing it with a guardian nature and a contagious humor that brightened the room. From small-town farmlands to metro streets, he was a fearless, funny, and protective teammate to his loved ones. He was a brave fighter who never met a challenge he couldn't accept, transforming every opportunity to overcome into a victory of the human spirit

.BJ was a good fellow to many and a member of the Masonic Lodge in Jeffersontown. A truly talented handyman and fixer, he spent years finding ways to tinker with, refurbish, or modify anything into a functional machine. His dedicated career included serving as a manager at Kentucky Trailer, working as a Master Mechanic for both Goodyear and Bachman Chevrolet, and protecting others as a bouncer for the legendary Phoenix Hill Tavern.

Beyond his work, BJ lived with vibrant, joyful passion. He loved writing and drawing, possessing a raw talent for art. He thoroughly enjoyed driving, riding motorcycles, and pushing anything fast to its limits, always eager to take passengers on a real thrill ride. He was the energetic life of the party, often the one starting it, hosting it, and ending it. He loved a good mystery to figure out, a deep conspiracy to research, and possessed a nostalgia-inducing knack for storytelling. Some of his happiest, most peaceful moments were spent fishing at his lake, enveloped by the quiet gentleness of nature and the laughter of his closest friends and family.

Above all, BJ loved his family fiercely and steadfastly. He cherished his mother, Vonda, always making sure to check in on her, gloated over his sister, Mary Kristin (Vangee) Hawkins, and his nieces Ashley and Emma, was deeply proud of his nephew William, and kept the memory of his late father alive by sharing stories with those closest to him. But his absolute greatest joy and treasure in life was his best friend, his favorite teammate, and his son, Ben. BJ cherished every single moment they spent together and shared a deep love with his son. It was Ben who remained steadfast for his father in his last days, infusing him with eternal love, providing him with peaceful comfort, and filling him with an everlasting pride.

BJ’s lasting legacy of humor, triumphant strength, gentle service, and unconditional guardianship will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, while his Scooby-Doo like laugh while live on in the minds of those who heard it. He will be greatly missed and remembered but his victory is won. Thank you to all who loved him.

Survived By:

Children: Ben Kelley II, Correy, and Raylynne (all of Louisville)

Mother: Vonda Stewart Trumbo (Jack) of Pleasureville

Sister: Mary Hawkins (Vangee) of Port Royal

Nieces & Nephew: Ashley (Sean) Mikel, their children, Sean Wayne and Sawyer; Emma Hillard; and William (Joslyn) Hillard and their children, William Allen Ray and Leighla.

Preceded in Death By:

Father: Earl Kelley

Service & Contributions: A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Prewitt New Castle Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that expressions of sympathy and contributions be made to the American Cancer Society.

2 Corinthians 5:1"For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.”