Kelly Gene Booe

Kelly Gene Booe, July 1,1963—April 30, 2026, 62, of Yadkinville, North Carolina, passed away at his home April 30, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, stubborn opinions, and a few unfinished “inventions."

Kelly was a man who told it like it was, whether you asked or not. Known for his quick wit and even quicker comebacks. If there was a joke to be made, a prank to be pulled, or a debate to win (or refuse to lose), Kelly was already three steps ahead.

He spent much of his career as a linear engineer in traveling sales, which basically meant he got paid to go fun places, meet new people and eat good food.

At home, Kelly was part inventor, part chef, and part genius. His passions included inventing hydroponic growing systems, "rigging" things instead buying something new, experimenting with new and sometimes questionable recipes and perfecting the art of smoking.

Kelly was preceded in death by his father, Eugene “Dump” Booe, and his twin brother, Keith Booe.

Kelly is survived by his daughter, Brittany (Jacob) Shugart; his grandchildren, Chloe and Callen Shugart; his mother, Peggy Booe; his brothers, Kevin Booe, Kyle (Tyson) Booe, and Kenny (Meggin) Booe; his special sister-in-law, Sharon Booe; his nieces, Brandy (Nick) Miller and Kenley Booe; his nephew, Bryson Booe; and his great-niece, Bella Miller, and we can't leave out his favorite ex-wife and mother of his daughter, Leah (Stuart) Hanes and their son, Colton, who Kelly enjoyed spending time with.

Kelly is remembered as a funny, stubborn, one-of-a-kind man who could make you laugh, shake your head, and question your own opinions—all in the same conversation.

In true Kelly fashion (per his request), there will be no service. Instead, those who knew him are encouraged to invent something new, pull a "harmless" prank or tell a story that’s only half true.

The family would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of Kelly’s caregivers who helped him remain at home. Krista Shelton, Kelly Smith, Tiffany Bowman, Tammy Long, Mechelle Harrison, Brooke Cross, Vicki Willams, New Horizons Home Care, Inc. & Mountain Valley Hospice. Their patience, sense of humor, and ability to handle a man who was convinced he already knew how to do their job deserves more recognition than words can give. It is no small task to care for someone like Kelly and they did it with grace, laughter, and far more patience than most people would have managed.

If you would like to do something in his memory, donations can be made to New Horizons Adult Day Services Inc., mailing address P.O. Box 1969 Yadkinville, NC 27055.