After more than 35 years with Mississippi Power’s parent company, Southern Company, Eddie Kelly is retiring at the end of this week as the division manager for Mississippi Power’s Meridian Division.

“This last five-year stretch in Meridian has been one of the best times I’ve had working with the company,” said Kelly, 61. “I’ll miss the friends that I’ve made at work, and I’ll also miss the friends and acquaintances that I’ve made out in the community.”

Kelly’s last day with the company is Friday. From there, the Gulfport native plans to sell his home in Meridian and return to the Mississippi Gulf Coast — possibly Bay St. Louis.

“Eddie is a born leader — whether it’s in service to the communities we serve in East Mississippi, to our state, or most importantly, to our country,” said Mississippi Power CEO Anthony Wilson. “He has been a driving force in the revitalization of downtown Meridian, the elevation of minority businesses in the region and nurturing win-win relationships like our partnership with MSU-Meridian.

“We are grateful for his many accomplishments in the Lauderdale County area and look forward to continued growth in East Mississippi.”  

Kelly, a Marine Corps veteran, started his career with Mississippi Power in the warehouse and went to college at night. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in accounting from William Carey University, he was offered a job in the accounting department.

Kelly worked in Meridian twice — from 2002-2005 and from 2013 to present.

After working at several Mississippi Power locations throughout the state, Kelly relocated to work for Georgia Power Company from 2005 to 2013. While in Georgia, he earned his MBA from Mercer University. 

Although Kelly is returning to the coast, he has high hopes for Meridian.

“I think Meridian is a great place to live — I like the people,” Kelly said. “I like that you can actually get to know people on a personal level, and not just in business.

“From a business standpoint, I like the possibilities. I see so many things that are just at the point of something happening… This is one of my favorite towns that I’ve had the opportunity to live in.”

In February, Kelly was named The Meridian Star’s Citizen of the Year for his work in numerous community organizations. In 2016, he helped form Meridian’s Minority Business Alliance.

Michael Harvey, formerly the division manager in Hattiesburg, will succeed Kelly.

The East Mississippi Business Development Corporation will host an event from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesday at The Mississippi Arts & Entertainment Experience to honor Kelly and welcome Harvey to the area. For more information, call the EMBDC at 601-693-1306.

— Ida Brown contributed to this report .