Kelly Michael Durham, 24
Kelly Michael Durham was born September 26, 1998 in Campbellsville, Kentucky to Kevin and Amy Durham. He was a 2016 graduate of Taylor County High School, where he was an active member of the band and choir programs. He was selected for All-State Chorus multiple times, all-state symphonic band twice, was the John Philip Sousa Outstanding Band Member winner, and was also a selected for the prestigious 2015 Governor’s School for the Arts program. He went on to Eastern Kentucky University where he earned a degree in music performance, performing as an integral part of the horn studio, orchestra, and symphonic wind ensemble. He was was a banjo player and vocalist in the EKU Bluegrass Ensemble, something he dearly loved. Kelly was a talented horn player, singer, guitarist, and banjo player who loved Mozart and Flatt and Scruggs with equal enthusiasm. He had recently started his first teaching job as the choral director for Larue County Schools, a job he loved and where he felt he’d finally found his calling.
Kelly was the oldest of three boys, and his brothers Eli and Reece were one of his greatest sources of pride. Being their big brother was a role that he cherished. Whether picking Bluegrass with Eli or hitting golf balls with Reece, Kelly was always cheering his brothers on and pushing them to be their best.
Kelly was engaged to the love of his life, Claire Quillen, of Corbin KY. Having met in the EKU music department, Kelly and Claire were very much in love and planning their life together.
In addition to his parents, Kevin and Amy Durham, his brothers Eli and Reece Durham, and his fiancée Claire Quillen, Kelly is survived by his grandparents Barry and Cheryl Blakeman, his grandfather James Durham and his wife Pam, who all adored him. He is also survived by a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins, including Will and Jamie Warren and their sons Brodie and Gradie of San Diego CA, Charlotte Hicklin of Madisonville, Mike and Sandy Durham of Campbellsville, Don and Valerie Pierson of Dresher PA, and Bernie and Karen Blakeman of Bowling Green KY, as well as a large extended family across Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, North Carolina, and Utah. He was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother, Sue Durham in 2013, his uncle and namesake, Michael David Durham in 1977, his uncle John Hicklin in 2020, as well as all of his great-grandparents.
Kelly met Jesus face to face on Friday, October 7. He was 24 years and 12 days of age. He gave his life to Jesus on Easter Sunday 2006, and was a member of the Vineyard Church in Campbellsville.
A memorial service for Kelly Michael Durham will be Monday, October 10, 2022 at 6:30 P.M. at the Campbellsville Vineyard Church, 105 Pleasant Drive, Campbellsville, KY (New Columbia Road)
Adam Russell will be officiating
Visitation after 3:30 P.M. on Monday at the church.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorials are suggested to go where Kelly would most want them… to his brothers’ college fund. Those can be made at the funeral home or at the church.
L.R. Petty Funeral Home in Campbellsville in charge of arrangements.
