Obituary of Leon Kellam, Jr.

Leon Kellam, Jr., affectionately known as "Sonny", succumbed to his chronic illness and passed into eternal peace on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, while surrounded by the love of his family. Sonny was born on September 5, 1955 to Beatrice and the late Leon Kellam, Sr. in Philadelphia, PA. He attended the Philadelphia School System and graduated from Bartram High School in 1974. Sonny subsequently furthered his education and received his certification in automobile maintenance and repair in 1981. Sonny was a Christian who loved the Lord and never minded telling anyone about what the Lord had done for him. When his health allowed him to, Sonny attended Abiding Truth Ministries Church in Philadelphia, PA. His faith in God kept him strong throughout his life-long battle with kidney disease. At the age of 14, Sonny was featured in a newspaper article in the Philadelphia Inquirer. In the article he was praised for his strong will and vibrant spirit even as he endured pain during a countless number of dialysis treatments. His love for life and will to live it made him an inspiration to everyone who he came into contact with, including his doctors and nurses who considered him one of their favorite patients. Although the odds were against him, Sonny received one of the first successful kidney transplants in the state of Pennsylvania. At a young age, he learned through personal experience that even when the doctors say "no", God can still say "yes"! Quite the handy man, Sonny was quick to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He adored his family, his friends and his community. He would often supply music and entertainment for the block by placing his speakers in the window of his home and dancing his heart out on the sidewalk. The sight of him dancing brought joy and laughter to the neighborhood and put smiles on the faces of everyone. The was Sonny lived his life is truly a testimony of perseverance and endurance, and for that reason he will be forever remembered, missed and loved. Sonny leaves to cherish his memory: his mother, Beatrice Kellam of Philadelphia, PA; three sisters, Darlene Kellam-Lowman, Brenda Kellam and Kim Kellam, all of Philadelphia, PA and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Sonny was preceded in death by his father, Leon Kellam, Sr. and his only brother, Albert Kellam.