Gordon N. Kelly, age 84 of Sanford, North Carolina, went to heaven on February 6, 2021 at his home after a brief illness.  He was born in Lee County on October 8 ^th , 1936, son of the late Labon and Lula Neal Kelly.  He is survived by his soulmate and wife, Doris Parrish Kelly and his children Kathy Tobias, Victor Tobias and Raymond McDowell.  A special niece, Vicky Phillips and two special nephews Kenny and Junior Godfrey.  Grandchildren,  Morgan Todd, Rachel Baker, Trae Baker and wife Kelly, Elizabeth Inman, April Mashburn, Eric Phillips, Chris Phillips and Josh McDowell.  Great Grandchildren, Blake Combs, Joseph Hart, Raegan Harrington, Angelina Hart and Layla Hunt and numerous nieces and nephews.  Gordon was preceded in death by his daughters, Holly Eileen Kelly, Sherry Kelly Dowdy and Cynthia Marie McNeill, granddaughter, Amy Lynne Hart and brother, L.B. Kelly Jr. and sister, Catherine Kelly Godfrey.  Gordon left school early to pursue driving hot rods and purchased 25 before reaching his mid-twenties.  He enjoyed working on cars and trading them until settling down and starting a family in his mid-twenties.  He worked at many of Lee Counties manufacturing industries during his 84 years in the county including Whitin Roberts, Lee Brick, and ending his career at Magneti Marelli where he took pride in managing the repair department repairing carburetors.  Gordon was well liked and a little mischievous.  He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.  A memorial service will be held on Wednesday at 1:00pm at the Sanford Church of God with Rev. Mike Horton and Rev. Curtis Norris officiating.   Online condolences can be made at www.smithfuneralhomebroadway.com Arrangements are by the Smith Funeral Home of Broadway.