Kinston - Kelly Alford Tingle went home to be with his LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST ON March 21, 2021. Kelly was born March 3, 1938, in Pamlico County, NC to the late Herman and Mildred Tingle. Kelly served in the US Army with the 101st Airborne at Fort Campbell, KY. He later transferred to Germany with the 29th Signal Battalion in Karlsruhe; he was assigned to NATO communications. Following his service, Kelly worked for and retired from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC after 35 years. Kelly was active in his community and with his church.

He enjoyed his years with Kinston Rotary Club, served on the Lenoir County Chapter of United Way, and was on the board of the local American Heart Association. He was a member of Tanglewood Church, where he was a member of the Vison Sunday School Class and the Tanglewood Cancer Support group. He enjoyed going to the men of the church suppers. When no longer able to accompany his wife to church, Kelly’s Cabinet, a special group of men from church came to sit with and minister to him. They blessed each other immeasurably. He and his wife were Youth Directors at their former church, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church where he also served on the board. He accompanied his wife on many occasions to teach bible studies at Maury Prison. With Kelly, family always came first. His greatest passion was his Lord, being a husband, father, and Papa to his granddaughter.

Kelly is survived by his wife Alice, sons Kelly and wife Tracy of Kinston and Scott and wife Caroline of Fleming Island FL, granddaughter Nola Scott of Fleming Island, brother in-law Doug Starr and wife Pam of Rocky Mount, niece Rachel Starr of Raleigh, sister Freeda Caccioppoli and husband John of Florida, brothers David E. Tingle and wife Linda of Texas, and H. Alan Tingle. He was preceded in death by a brother Bruce Tingle. The family would like to thank Tanglewood Church for their faithful support.

Special thanks to Dr. Hubert Pierce, Dr. Rupert Jilcott, Dr. Bryan Cooper, Dr. Peter Watson, Dr. Hilal Kanaan, Dr. Robert Gallaher, and their staff. You provided quality care with love and compassion. Special thanks also to 3HC Home Health and Hospice and to all the caregivers who blessed Kelly with their Godly compassionate care.

A graveside service of love and remembrance will be held Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at 2:00PM at Westview Cemetery, Hillcrest Rd, Kinston NC. The family would appreciate that masks be worn to the service.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Tanglewood Church Cancer Support Group, 2103 Rouse Road, Kinston NC 28504.

Arrangements by Edwards Funeral Home & Cremations.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.edwardsfhc.com.