Throughout his life, E.E. Kelley was committed to the growth of the baking industry, whether that was providing quality baked foods from ButterKrust Bakery Lakeland, serving the needs of independent bakers through the Quality Bakers of America (QBA) or promoting the nutritional benefits of bread during his 10 year tenure as President of the American Bakers Association (ABA).

In 1924, E.E. Kelley, Jr. and his wife moved to St. Petersburg, Florida where he purchased St. Petersburg Steam Bakery.  In 1928, Mr. Kelley sold the bakery to Liberty Baking Company and purchased ButterKrust Bakery in Lakeland, Fl.  In 1950, Mr. Kelley turned over ownership and management of ButterKrust to his sons Mike and Dennis.

Mr. Kelley joined the Quality Bakers of America in 1926 when there were only 11 members.  In 1938, he became Chairman of QBA, a position he held until 1945.  He also served as the General Manger from 1945 until 1951.  When he left in 1951, QBA had grown to 120 bakeries and provided its members with collective purchasing and manufacturing services to help them compete and grow.

In 1962, after completing his commitment to ABA, he joined Silver Cup Bakeries as Chairman.

Outside his contributions to the baking industry, Mr. Kelley served as Mayor and City Manager of Lakeland and was President of the Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club.

Click on the images below to view .pdf files of the inductee’s biography and plaque.