Warsaw, VA — Gerald D. Kelly, 81 of Warsaw, Va., died Aug. 15, 2019, after a brief illness. He had been in the harness industry as an owner and trainer for more than 50 years. He was campaigning his two horse stable at Ocean Downs at the time of his death.

Most notable was Southern Nero, a winner of more than $200,000 and a local favorite at the Maryland tracks back in the 1980s. Noted reinsman Roger Hammer first drove for him when Roger was 18 and it led to a lifetime of partnerships on many horses.

Some of Mr. Kelly’s favorite performers included Windemere Promise, who took a record of 1:55 and earned close to $100,000 in the early 1980s, and Southern Myles p,3,1:49z ($381,465), who was named after Mr. Kelly’s grandson.

Mr. Kelly was considered a class act by everyone who encountered him at the track and will be missed by all.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday (Aug. 27) at 11 a.m. at Galilee Baptist Church, 20461 Kings Highway, Montross, Va. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Remains may be viewed from 10 a.m. until service time on Tuesday at Galilee Baptist Church.

Arrangements by Weldon Fisher Funeral Home, 22883 Kings Hwy, Warsaw, VA 22572. Online guest book at www.weldonfisherfh.com.