Obit – William Douglas Kell
William Douglas Kell of Castalian Springs, Tennessee, passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2026. He was born on December 24, 1932, to William Beckwith and Ethel Marie Phillians Kell in Springfield, Ohio.
Doug graduated from Enon High School in 1950, where he excelled in sports. He pursued farming in his early years alongside his brothers, Dale and David. He was drafted into the Army in 1953 during the Korean War. When he returned home, he met the love of his life, D. Sue Storts, and they married in 1957.
From this union, Kee Annette and Khristi Ann were born, completing their family. While in Springfield, they were active at Clifton Avenue United Methodist Church. In 1972, they moved to Tennessee and started various businesses in the Middle Tennessee area. Doug is survived by daughters, Kee Kell (Dale) Circle of Saint Paris, Ohio, and Khristi Kell Fisher of Gallatin, Tennessee; grandchildren, Case Kell (Amy) Circle and Bo Kell Circle of Saint Paris, Ohio, and Kendle Kell Fisher and Kell Ann Fisher of Gallatin, Tennessee; great-grandchildren, Thor, Lottie, and Duke Circle of Saint Paris, Ohio; sisters-in-law, Ann Storts Hill, Patty Black Locke, and Beverly Yeary Kell; many nieces and nephews; and special cousin, Joanne Kell Wallace. Doug had a sweet companion for twelve years, Jean Welck Smith of Lebanon, Tennessee, and they attended Lebanon First United Methodist Church together.
Doug is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Susie; brothers, Dale and David; brothers-in-law, Harry Storts, Donald Dick, Larry Hill, and Warren Craig; sisters-in-law, Nancy Storts Dick, Holly Storts Marshall, Joni Storts Craig, and Judy Stinson Kell-Spitler.
Doug (Poppie) will be remembered for his deep love for family and friends. In recent years, he enjoyed bowling, visiting his beloved family in Dunlap, Tennessee, his Sunday School class and making crafts to gift his loved ones. He had a terrific sense of humor, an infectious laugh, and will be greatly missed by all.
Many thanks to Charter Senior Living of Gallatin for their loving care.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday in The Landing at Littleton & Rue Funeral Home. Doug’s funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home with Pastor Mark Atterholt presiding. Entombment will be in Rose Hill Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Grafton Church, 2968 Dialton Rd., St. Paris, OH 43072 or Lebanon First United Methodist Church, 415 W. Main St., Lebanon, TN 37087. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.littletonandrue.com
