Edward O. Kellam, Sr

Edward O. Kellam, Sr., an Eastern Shore icon, was born on December 14, 1926, on the Kellam family farm in Belle Haven, Virginia, and passed away there on July 4, 2026, at the age of 99.

Edward was a lifelong farmer, following in the footsteps of his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His love of tractors began early, when his father, Roland Kellam, became the first farmer in this area of the Eastern Shore to own a tractor. At age 12, Edward was given the honor of operating the new Farmall A during a demonstration for neighboring farmers, a memorable moment that helped spark his lifelong passion for tractors and farming. Known for his strong work ethic, he carried the lessons of hard farm work throughout his life and passed them on to his children.

Edward also loved flying. Although he was unable to meet the medical requirements for Army flight training because he was color blind, that did not keep him from serving his country during World War II. After graduating from Central High School, he entered the U.S. Merchant Marine, serving in both the European and Pacific Theaters. Returning from the war, he briefly operated a trucking service, hauling produce to various states, before joining his father as a lifelong farmer. In 1955, he earned his private pilot’s license, and the following year purchased the first of three airplanes, a J-3 Cub. He was also a member of the local Civil Air Patrol and participated in numerous search-and-rescue flights. He was a lifelong member of the Exmore Moose Lodge and a member of the Peninsula Tractor Organization.

Edward is survived by his children, Pat K. Boyer (David Olson), the Rev. R. Tom Kellam, and Edward O. Kellam, Jr. (Patricia); his grandchildren, Laura Altenhofen (Christopher), Tenneil McDougald, Peter Boyer (Jenny), Matthew Boyer, Stacy Maurice, Scott Kellam (Nikki), Greg Kellam (Mallory), and Todd Kellam (Chloe); his special cousin-in-law, Lorraine “Teenie” Edmonson; and family friend and caregiver, Mabel “Mickey” Mason.

He was predeceased by his wife, Louzetta Kilmon Kellam; his parents, Roland and Elizabeth Kellam; his sisters, Ethelyn Leighton and Margaret Ellen Amado; his son-in-law, Dr. Stephen Boyer; his daughter-in-law, Vee Kellam and his grandson, Phil Boyer.

A celebration of life will be held at Doughty Funeral Home, Exmore, VA, on Thursday, July 9, at 1:00 p.m., with the Rev. R Tom Kellam and Rev. Ernie Lauer officiating. Interment will follow at Belle Haven Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Peninsula Tractor Organization, 8104 Sunset Cove Drive, Exmore, VA 23350, or to the Painter Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 275, Painter, VA 23420.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements were made by Doughty Funeral Home in Exmore, VA.