Carter Kellas

Carter Warden “Bill” Kellas, 77, of Winchester, VA died Monday, August 18, 2014, peacefully at his home surrounded by his family. Carter was born April 14, 1937 in Winchester to the late Nicholas (Cheace) Kellas and Elizabeth Baker Kellas. In 1957, Carter graduated from Handley High School in Winchester. He won the Winchester Star Leadership Award and the American Legion Award at graduation. He then went on to Virginia Tech, where he was a member of the Corp of Cadets and graduated in 1961. He married Terry Jones on December 20, 1959 in Winchester. Carter served as a foster parent for 40 years and won the Exchange Club Book of Golden Deeds Award in recognition of his dedication to his many children. Carter was a member of the Braddock Street United Methodist Church, where he was President of the Oglesby Sunday School Class and was the church Lay Leader for 3 years. He also coached his son Danny’s little league football and baseball teams. Carter was also a member of the Jaycees (proud member of the “Jaycee gang”). Carter’s first love was for his God, which he shared with everyone he met. His worldly love was his beautiful wife, Terry. Carter also loved his family with all of his heart and was a second father to many. He always had a smile on his face and described himself as doing great for a “short, fat, bald man”, which was his way of making people feel comfortable. Carter greeted all women with “beautiful”, which was sincere, as he truly saw the beauty in everyone. Carter was born to be a salesman and sold everything from Green Stamps to Travel Trailers. He ended his sales career at Ultimate Automotive Group with Scotty, Chris, Bobby and the boys. Along with his loving wife, Terry Jones Kellas, he is survived by two daughters, Judge Elizabeth Kellas Burton and her husband, Michael, of Winchester and Susan Kellas Smith and her husband, Stewart, of Winchester; daughter- in- law, Barbara Kellas of Mathews, NC; two sisters, Marguerite Oates and Judy Madigan, both of Winchester; four grandchildren, Matt and Sarah Kellas and Gregg and Jacob Burton and one step-grandchild, Brian Stevens. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Joshua Kellas; his son, Danny Kellas; two sisters, Betsy Kellas and Mildred Huff; and three brothers, Bobby, Jack and Frank Kellas. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 23 2014 at Braddock Street United Methodist Church with Reverend Kirk Nave officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fremont Day Nursery, 533 Fremont St. Winchester, VA 22601.