CHESAPEAKE — On Monday morning, Ralph Kelley was doing what he’s done since the Sybene-Chesapeake Senior Center opened nearly a year ago.

He was leading a group of about 15 seniors in a Bible study, a weekly event that is one of his many contributions that have led to his being named the center’s Senior of the Year.

Darlene Green, the center’s director, said she requested that he lead the study.

“It didn’t take him long to say ‘Yes,’” she said.

The group, which meets every Monday from 10:45-11:45 a.m., opened with a prayer and then began reading from the scriptures.

Kelley is a self-taught Bible scholar, Ramona Kelley, his wife of nearly 52 years said. The couple attends First South Baptist Church in South Point.

“He’s been dedicated for 50 years,” she said. “And he’s made himself available to teach Sunday school.”

He previously lived in Barboursville, then the couple moved to Willard, before moving back to Lawrence County in 2010, living in South Point, she said.

Green said Kelley has worked around the center, helping with maintenance and handyman work. He was as an electrician for CSX Transportation and worked in insurance sales.

Kelly said what matters is what’s done for Christ.

“I told folks at church that accolades come and go,” he said.

Green said the award goes to those who have been fruitful in their volunteer work.

“A lot of seniors use this as their church,” she said. “He’s been here, being faithful doing this.”