Kelly Jay Wilcock 1954 – 2023

Kelly Jay Wilcock passed away peacefully on October 25, 2023 from Alzheimer at the age of 68; a beloved son, father, brother, uncle, grandpa and friend.

Kelly was born in Murray, Utah on Dec 22, 1954 to Mary & Kenneth (Kelly) Wilcock; the fourth of six children. He grew up in the heart of Taylorsville, Utah on Redwood Rd. Helped with the family garden, growing, and selling sweet corn and tomatoes. He enjoyed many adventures in the wide-open spaces.

He attended Valley Jr. High where he discovered his love of drumming. He followed his beloved band leader, Hal Rendlesbach to Kearns High School where he excelled in the marching band and pep band. The marching band traveled to Calgary Alberta Canada to perform in the Calgary Stampede. The next year they traveled to Europe to perform.

Kelly served a Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints assigned to the Japan-Kobe Mission from 1974 – 1976. He learned Japanese at the Hawaii MTC.

Kelly married Dana LeAnn Pappas in the Salt Lake Temple on February 11, 1977. (Later divorced) They had two daughters, Brooke & Kortney.

Kelly struggled with bipolar disorder but that didn’t stop him from being a dedicated worker. He worked for JD construction and many various jobs including Sales, Customer Service & Hospitality at the Delta Center and Salt Palace in Game operations for the Utah Jazz.

He also sold cars for Jerry Seiner, Menlove Dodge Toyota, & Hayes Brothers Buick. Then in Las Vegas, he worked with Westgate Resort, Grandview Marketing, Hilton Grand Vacations, & Wyndham. He also sold fine jewelry at Tiffany’s and was a Portor on the American Orient Express.

Kelly continued to follow his passion for drumming. He and some friends started the band ‘Breakaway’ in 1977 and then another group ‘Aspen’ in 1978. Kelly played with the official band of the ABA Utah Stars, he played in the house band at Red Flame, was the warmup band for Statler Brothers when they played at the Huntsman Center. He played at the MGM in Reno with Mark Francis & Voyce. He also played at the Canyons ski resort during the 2002 Winter Olympics.

His greatest joy was drumming in bands, spending time with good friends, family, his daughters, and eating good food.

Kelly is survived by his Siblings – Richard (MarJene), Clarence (Barbie), Karen (Dan), Tamra (Jeff), Christy, His daughters – Brooke (Anthony) and 9 (soon to be 10) grandchildren and Kortney.

Kelly expressed that he wanted to be a donor. His life work continues as his body was donated to the University of Utah to help medical students & professionals advance their knowledge & education. https://medicine.utah.edu/neu…

A Celebration of Life will be held November 1, 2023,

Lone Peak Indoor Pavilion at 10140 S. 700 E. Sandy, Ut

From 6-8 pm - Program will be at 7pm.

A special Thanks to Truewood in Taylorsville, Legacy House in Taylorsville, and Inspiration Hospice for the wonderful care they gave Kelly this last year and a half.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/kelly-wilcock/obituary/

Copy