LTC. HILLIARD 'SKIP' FINCH KELLY, JR, U.S. Army, Retired, age 73 years, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Tuesday, June 20, 2017. Beloved Husband of Donna Rodwig Kelly for the past 50 years. Father of Hilliard Finch "Trey' Kelly, III(Mary) and Brent Christopher Kelly(Erica). Brother of Kathy Kelly, Susan Byrne(George) and the late Jack Kelly. Brother-in-law of Tommy Rodwig(Kathryn), Bobby Rodwig(Diana), John Rodwig(Susan), Buddy Buras(Ramsey), and the late Sherrie Buras. Also survived by his 5 grandchildren, Alyssa, Matthew, Austin, Jordan and Logan Kelly and several nieces and nephews. Skip Kelly was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US. Army in 1967 where he served for a decade before transferring to the National Guard where he remained for the next 24 years. He was also a skilled Airborne Ranger and served as an attack helicopter pilot in Vietnam. For his years of service, fortitude and bravery in combat, Skip was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, 2 Bronze Stars, 13 Air Medals, as well as the Legion of Merit Award and the Meritorious Service Medal. In the Louisiana National Guard, he was the first Battalion Commander of the famed 244th Aviation Battalion. After his time in the military, Skip worked as a commercial pilot before he retired to spend more time with his family. Many, especially his grandkids, affectionately knew him as Tata. In his final years, Skip spent his time volunteering with the Veterans of Foreign Wars with his wife, collecting watches, and playing Tata to any and all. He spent much of his time wood-working, making furniture sets for family and friends. Tata will be ardently missed. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Services at HONAKER FUNERAL HOME, 1751 GAUSE Blvd. WEST (IN FOREST LAWN CEMETERY), Slidell, LA on Friday, June 23, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. Interment with military honors at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, Slidell at 12:00 noon. Visitation on Friday after 9:00 A.M. until funeral time. Donations to the VFW Post 5735, Slidell, La., or to St. Jude Childrens' Research Hospital, or Masses preferred, in lieu of flowers. Please visit www.honakerforestlawn.com