Kelly was born July 31, 1924, in Atlanta, Georgia, and his mother abandoned him in an orphanage at an early age.

He opposed Food Stamps, aid to the failing Chrysler Corporation and financially troubled New York City.

"[6] In 1980, Kelly was involved in the FBI undercover Abscam scandal and failed to win renomination, losing to Republican Bill McCollum.

Kelly was the only Republican member of the House to vote against the expulsion of fellow Abscam target Michael Myers (D-PA).

[7] He claimed he had conducted his own undercover operation and spent part of the money to maintain that cover, but was convicted and served thirteen months of a 6 to 18 month sentence at the federal prison camp at Eglin Air Force Base.

[7][8][9] Kelly died August 22, 2005, in Stevensville, Montana after suffering for years with Pick's disease.