David Fleming Kellam

David Fleming Kellam, 82, passed away on July 9, 2023, in the care of Wellstar Tranquility Hospice in Marietta, GA, with family members at his side. He will be remembered as a loving family man, skilled adviser, talented athlete, and gifted storyteller with a playful sense of humor and a deep devotion to God.

David was born to Count and Callie Kellam on December 11, 1940, and was raised in Chamblee, GA. He graduated from Chamblee High School before enrolling at Mercer University, where he majored in English and was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. After earning his bachelor’s degree in 1962, he served as a popular teacher at several area schools over the next few years, including DeKalb County schools, Marist, and Lovett.

David married Marjorie “Margie” Randolph in 1964, and they made their first home in Dunwoody. He left teaching for the corporate world in 1967, first in insurance and then in tax. David and Margie settled in Marietta in 1974 with their three kids (and a fourth soon to come). They were active members of Community Bible Church and then Fellowship Bible Church. An avid tennis player, David was a member of the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association.

Spurred by an entrepreneurial spirit and the desire to help small businesses navigate the tax system, he launched Home Tax Service in the early 1980s. Clients would rely on his guidance for nearly four decades.

David and Margie left the hustle of metro Atlanta in 1993 for a simpler life in Franklin, NC, where they joined First Alliance Church. By that time, David had developed a passion for golf, and it eventually led them to the golf course community of Mill Creek Estates. In late 2022, they moved to Roswell, GA, to be closer to family. He spent his last few months making the most of a well-earned life of leisure.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Count and Callie, and his brother, James. He is survived by his wife, Margie; children Molly Thompson (Dan), David R. Kellam, Chris Kellam (Cia), and Gary Count Kellam (Rose); and grandchildren Sarah Kellam, Katherine Thompson, Benjamin Thompson, Benjamin Kellam, and Grace Kellam.

A memorial service will be held October 3, 2023, 10:00 a.m., at First Alliance Church in Franklin, NC.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, donations may be made to the Smoky Mountain Pregnancy Care Center of Franklin.