Roy Arthur Kelly III, PhD

April 2, 1974 – June 16, 2026

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Roy Arthur “Billy” Kelly, III, age 52. Hedied peacefully the morning of June 16, 2026, attended by family, at the Atrium Health Hospice, North Carolina, following a short and difficult battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer.

Billy, as he was known to his loved ones, was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and grew up in the southeast. He graduated from Jesuit High School in New Orleans, Louisiana and went on to attend Louisiana State University and University of New Orleans, earning a Bachelor of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Chemistry. His professional life as a chemist was characterized by his curiosity for research and balanced his exceptional interpersonal skills, inspiring the teams around him.

Billy’s highest commitment was to his family and his deep love for his wife and children. His happy place was on the beach sitting next to his wife Sachelle and watching their kids in the water. During Billy’s 7-month battle, his comfort and safe space was having Sachelle next to him for every step of his journey. Among his friends he was always up for some fun, sometimes too much, but he carried their hearts carefully and gave freely in support. His enduring friendships were a huge source of support and joy during his illness. A quiet man and avid reader, he was often found engrossed in a good book. At the same time, he was energized and excited by following LSU sports as a lifelong devoted fan. Whether he was spending a peaceful morning on the golf course or practicing his faith in the pews of his church, he approached every facet of his life with a gentle dignity, a sharp mind, and a deeply generous heart.

Despite his diagnosis, Billy faced his illness with grace and a passion for knowledge that would define his journey. He wanted other families to be spared his trying experience and chose to honor the search for knowledge through donation of his remains as an anatomical gift to science. His decision to support ongoing research and medical education will help advance cancer care and treatment and hopefully help prevent future losses.

Billy is survived by his wife of 21 years, Sachelle Stephens Kelly, his daughter Mayon Kelly and sons RAK Kelly and Max Kelly, his parents Roy Kelly Jr and Margaret Kelly, his sister Patricia Kelly Harrison and nephews Ryan and Evan Harrison, and many more aunts, uncles cousins and close friends.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to all of the staff at Duke UniversityHospital neuro-oncology, the Tisch Brain Tumor Center, and Atrium Health Hospice & Palliative Care Union for their care, compassion, and support.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at St Aloysius Catholic Church, 2025 Stuart Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA on July 10, 2026 at 10am. Following the service there will be a reception at the LSU Lod Cook Alumni Center, 3838 West Lakeshore Dr, Baton Rouge, LA.

If you would like to honor Billy, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, the Atrium Health Hospice & Palliative Care Union, or St Aloysius Catholic Church. See donation links below.

Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, DUMC 3624, Durham, NC 27710, or online at Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke

Atrium Hospice - Atrium Hospice

St Aloysius Memorial Gift -  St. Aloysius Memorial Gift