Robert Kelly Raulerson

NOTE CHANGE OF DATE OF THE FUNERAL DUE TO WEATHER Robert (Kelly) Raulerson, age 84, passed away on January 6, 2026. Born on May 15, 1941, in Howell, Echols County, Georgia, he was the son of Louis and Gladys Raulerson. Raised in Haylow, Georgia, he developed a lifelong love for the outdoors and formed deep ties to his family and community. His funeral service has been changed to Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 11 AM at First Baptist Church of Albany with burial to follow at Crown Hill Cemetery. The Rev. Butch Knight will officiate. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 10 AM. Kelly graduated from Echols County High School in 1959, Valdosta State College in 1963, and the University of Georgia School of Law in 1966. He served four years in the U.S. Army JAG Corps, including a year in Vietnam. For his distinguished service, he was awarded the U.S. Army Meritorious Service Medal and the Bronze Star. While stationed at Fort McPherson in Atlanta, Kelly was introduced to the love of his life, Ellen Davis, on a blind date. They married on December 5, 1970, and built a wonderful life together. In 1973, they moved to Albany, Georgia, where Kelly practiced law for more than 45 years, including over 25 years as a partner with Perry & Walters. He served his clients and community with integrity and fairness, and was an active member of First Baptist Church of Albany. In 2018, he moved to Asheville, North Carolina, to be closer to his children and their families. Kelly loved the woods of Echols County and found great joy hunting, fishing and spending time there with family and lifelong friends. He was a dedicated fan of the Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Braves. Family trips to the Georgia coast, Blue Ridge Mountains and the Okefenokee Swamp were especially meaningful to him. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ellen; his brother, Tommy; and his sister, Gayle. He is survived by a son, David, his wife, Tricia, and their sons, Andrew and Harrison; a daughter, Robin Mehler, her husband, Jason, and their sons, Asa and Eli Kelly will be remembered for his quiet strength, faith and deep love for his family and friends. Donations in his memory can be made to Meals on Wheels of Asheville and Buncombe County. https://www.mowabc.org/

Robert Kelly Raulerson

May 15, 1941 - January 6, 2026