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C.E. "Big House" Gaines Hall of Fame

Jack O'Kelly

Jack O'Kelley

  • Induction
    1975
  • Sport(s)
    Football
Jack O’Kelley was born in High Point, NC on July 3, 1925. In 1942, he graduated from Adkins High School and enrolled in Winston-Salem State Teachers College, now Winston-Salem State University (WSSU).  After one year at WSSU, Jack entered the U.S. Navy during World War II. After the war, he returned to WSSU and earned a BS degree in Education and eventually earned a Master’s degree from NC A&T University. While in college, he played basketball and was an All-American football player.  After receiving his degree in Education, O'Kelley taught and coached football at Washington High School in Reidsville, NC. Eventually, he returned to WSSU and served as a member on the Board of Trustees as a student representative to help plan for the future. After his first heart attack in 1980, Jack retired from the Technical College of Alamance, where he served as Director of Extension and Basic Adult Education. On May 2, 1983, Jack suffered a fatal heart attack at the age of 57 years old. Jack O'Kelley was survived by his son “Rusty” – Jack O’Kelley, III. His wife Maxine was laid to rest in January 2007.
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