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December 8, 1914 was a cold, wintry day in Unionville, Missouri. However, there was a glow in the hearts of Marie and Clyde Kelley because Phillip Russell was born. He grew up to be a cute freckle faced redhead, and, then, a handsome gentleman with auburn hair.

Phillip attended Unionville schools and was the star of all the school plays. This talent would be displayed throughout his lifetime. In 1934, he was graduated from Unionville High School.

Growing up in Depression Years was not easy. He began to work at an early age and one job that he held was selling popcorn at the theater. He gave away free samples and soon everyone was buying popcorn. When it was time for the Senior Prom, no one could afford formal dress. Phillip and the committee planned a prom for which everyone could wear bib overalls and cotton dresses, thus saving classmates money and possible embarrassment.

Phillip worked for a year or two before entering Northeast Missouri State College (NMSC) in Kirksville, MO. He said that he couldn’t begin college until midway through the semester. The admissions offi cer did not want him to begin, but Phil convinced him that he could catch up and succeed. He was a diligent student and earned good grades. He continued to work his way through college. He was very active in college life - French Club, College Players, Historical Society and Phi Delta Epsilon Fraternity. He won his athletic letter for baseball and was initiated into K-Club.

In 1939 when the Spring Frolic was being planned at NMSC, Phillip who was president of his fraternity called Hedy Lamarr

to invite her to the dance. He said that he was egged on by his fraternity brothers to make the call to Hollywood. Knowing Phil, they all thought he would have made

a good escort for Miss Lamarr!

After college, he settled into teaching for a short time. In 1941, Phillip left Missouri to join the army. He would have preferred not to go, but it turned out to be quite an adventure. He soon was selected for the Army Counter Intelligence Corps (CIC). As a special agent, he investigated treason, espionage, sabotage, subversive activities, disaffection, and violations of security. In addition, he handled classifi ed

material and supervised and trained new agents. His dramatic talent was demonstrated when he had to assume different identities during the investigations.

One time he pretended to be a plumber in order to gain entrance to an apartment where a picture of Hitler had been reported seen on a wall.

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He was very quiet about this CIC work. One incident he spoke about was when he was in charge of General Giraud of France when he visited Washington DC. When the general wanted to visit Mamie Eisenhower, Phil made the necessary arrangements and took him to her apartment.

Phil’s family always wondered why he did not like to fl y and he would become very nervous whenever members of his family would fl y. He preferred traveling by train and at one point discussed purchasing his own train car. Later it was learned that Phillip investigated military crashes

and most were due to pilot error. That explained his reluctance to fl y. During the latter war years, he was stationed in Orlando and was discharged in 1945.

He graduated from John B. Stetson University Law School in 1948. He joined the law fi rm of Rogers and Lassiter in Kissimmee and subsequently became a partner with Lawrence Rogers. After Mr. Rogers

died, it became a “one man operation.” Phil’s philosophy was “Attorneys don’t have clients, clients have attorneys.” His approach to law was summed up in one word: preparedness.

At about this same time, Phillip met a young woman named Jane Perrigo Connolly while golfi ng at Dubsdread Golf Course in College Park. They were married at Whereas, Phil’s property on Fish Lake. Eventually they built their house and spent the rest of their lives in that beautiful setting of pines, cypress, and live oaks. Jane’s daughters, Olive Lane and Jane Lea, had a delightful childhood living in the country.

When the girls were in high school, their dogs knocked over the Christmas tree. The ornaments were broken and the tree was a disaster. They cleaned up the mess and Phil went to the garage. A short time later he came in with a tree that he had made from a fence post. This tree has been used for fi fty years.

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It needs a little refurbishing from time to time but using it is a tradition. For Christmas 2005, it was given a new angel topper and an Osceola Courthouse ornament.

Phillip and Jane were busy with community responsibilities. Phil had a busy practice and was a member of the Florida Bar Association, Selective Service Board and the Judicial Nominating Commission for the 9th Judicial Circuit. He served as Osceola County Prosecuting Attorney, Judge of the Small Claims Court, and Kissimmee City Attorney. While Prosecuting Attorney, he seated the fi rst Black juror in Osceola County. Last but not least, He served as a Director of the First Federal Savings and Loan - Osceola.

With regard to other areas, Phillip was a member of American Legion Post 10, First United Methodist Church, Silver Spurs Riding Club, Country Club of Orlando, and a charter member of the Kissimmee Elks Lodge 1873. Phillip always helped with the Silver Spurs Rodeos. He could be found ushering in the stands or fl ipping burgers in the concession stands. More than once during Rodeo Week, he played Judge Roy Bean, the Hangin’ Judge from Texas. When he and Jane rode their horses in the parades, Phil had the largest silver spurs worn by anyone.

Phillip and Jane experienced tragedy in their lives and came through it with grace. In 1960, Jane and Jane Lea were in an automobile crash caused by a drunken driver. Jane Lea was killed at age 16 and Jane

was not expected to survive her injuries. Phil stood by Jane as she endured seven months of hospitalization and thirty-seven surgical procedures to restore her face. After his offi ce closed for the day, he visited her at the hospital. As soon as she could be out and about, he sent her to duplicate bridge tournaments as part of her rehabilitation. Jane

with her nurse spent many weekends playing bridge and becoming comfortable around people that she did not know. She endured stares, but her personality and bridge expertise won opponents’ admiration. Phillip truly showed his love for his wife.

was not expected to survive her injuries. Phil stood by Jane as she endured seven months of hospitalization and thirty-seven surgical procedures to restore her face. After his offi ce closed for the day, he visited her at the hospital. As soon as she could be out and about, he sent her to duplicate bridge tournaments as part of her rehabilitation. Jane

Phillip was described as being an “old time chivalrous” lawyer! Blessed with a wonderful sense of humor, he had a ready quip for every

occasion. He enjoyed eating at Mrs. Mac’s restaurant with county judges Alec Hall and Russell Thacker, Circuit Judge George Diamantis and the presiding judge’s secretary, Julie Lyon. There might also be a smattering of lawyers, real estate brokers, a newspaper man, and occasional visiting court offi cials. He would hold court as the men discussed politics, current events and local gossip. Nothing escaped comment from the judge and jury.

One December 8, the men invited Sasha, a belly dancer, to join them in celebrating Phil’s birthday. To his delight and amazement, she sang

a song about him and danced! Another time, his friends gave him a birthday in the median of Broadway. They set up tables and chairs and

served cake to all. It was another tribute to Kissimmee’s “Jimmy Walker.”

Phil broke his non-fl ying rule in 1976 when he and Jane fl ew to Scotland with the Florida Bar Association for a golfi ng tour. He loved staying and golfi ng at Gleneagles and Turnberry. In fact, he ordered special grass seed for the greens on his 3 hole course at Whereas. Phillip was en excellent golfer and had many trophies to show for it.

Entertaining and parties were enjoyed by the Kelleys at their home. The fi rst event was an Open House after their home was built. Invitations were issued by Also the dog and he asked that everyone bring him a bone. Jane served breakfast on the patio for two consecutive weekends.

Whereas was the site for fi sh fries, and steak and pig roasts. Most events took place by the lake where guests came by boat and fl oat planes. Phil and Jane entertained Gus Mauch, Sid Hudson, Al Evans, and Joe Carroll from the Kissimmee Baseball School; Red Smith (sportscaster); Brownie Wise and Marie Tupper of Tupperware International; Jim Boles, Barton McLane, movie and television actors to author Frank Slaughter,. Phil was humorous and personable so people liked to be around him and Jane was equally gracious.

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Terry and Russ, grandchildren, spent parts of the summer and vacations at Whereas. Being in the country was a change from living in urban Michigan. They both loved Phil a lot and he was very good to them. Russ is married and recently brought Vanessa, his wife, and children, Brendan and Lindsay, to visit. Phil liked to watch the children play, although he was surprised at how active they were.

Phillip had a generous nature. He supported the United Way, Osceola County Cancer Society, Osceola County Humane Society, Sheriff ’s Boys Ranch, and others too numerous to list. He also supported his wife and children by attending bridge games, piano recitals, and athletic events.

Phillip’s constant companion for many years was Gary, Olive Lane’s husband. Gary and Phil had a great rapport and liked each other’s humor. Olive Lane retired recently and was able to spend more time with both of them. At ninety-one, Phil liked to watch television court programs and his favorite judge was Judge Alex.

All in all, Phillip Kelley was a colorful personality who was a hard worker, a good provider for his family, and a good steward of the community. He liked to be “in charge” and he was! He bought his clothes at Goodwill or the Opportunity Center and was the best dressed man in the courtroom. He was known for wearing bow or string ties, smoking a pipe or cigar, and unbeknownst to some, chewing tobacco while playing golf or working in the yard. He carried buckeyes for luck and gave them to friends.

On March 17, 2006, St. Patrick’s Day, Phillip passed away at home with his family close by.