William Samuel "Sam" Kelly

AIKEN, SC - Dr. William Samuel James “Sam” Kelly, of Aiken, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 7, 2025, at his family home in Kalmia Hills. He was 82.

Born on March 2 in Kells, Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, to James and Meta Kelly, Sam grew up in Kells and attended Queen’s University Belfast, where he earned a Ph.D. in Physics and Chemistry.

Sam was known for his infectious positivity, keen sense of humor, curiosity about all things and an unwavering dedication to his family and friends. He built a distinguished career as a physicist specializing in nuclear remediation, spending many years with British Nuclear Fuels Limited (BNFL) in the United Kingdom. In 1995, he was appointed President of BNFL Savannah River Company in Aiken, where he oversaw the remediation of the original site of the U.S. nuclear deterrence program. He retired in 2005 after a lifetime of meaningful scientific service.

Beyond his professional life, Sam found joy in many pursuits. A passionate golfer and proud member of the Palmetto Golf Club, he cherished time on the course with friends. His love of gardening led him to cultivate a celebrated landscape filled with camellias and azaleas. An avid traveler, he explored the world with curiosity and enthusiasm until the very end of his life.

Sam is survived by his wife, Sylvia; daughter, Samantha; son, James; and grandchildren, Danica and Gabriel.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at Palmetto Golf Club, 275 Berrie Road, Aiken, on Tuesday, October 28, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ACTS of Aiken (Area Churches Together Serving) in memory of Dr. Sam Kelly. 

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to friends and loved ones for their kindness and support during this difficult time.

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC 29801.