Bill Kerley, 89, of Roan Mountain, Tenn., passed away Friday, May 5, 2017, at Johnson City Medical Center following an extended illness. A native of Roan Mountain, he was a son of the late Thomas Lawson and Helen Julian Kerley.
Mr. Kerley retired from the Roan Mountain State Park. He was a member of Magill Memorial Presbyterian Church of Roan Mountain where he had served in the past as an Elder. He was also a member of the Roan Mountain Citizens Club. He loved the outdoors, gardening, fishing, hunting and his friends and family.
Mr. Kerley was a U.S. Navy veteran, having served in World War II.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Ruth Harrell Kerley; a daughter, Judy Kerley; a brother, Bob Kerley; and a sister, Betty Kerley Higgins.
Those left to cherish his memory include a daughter, Jo Buchanan and her husband Jim, Roan Mountain; two brothers, Lawson Julian Kerley and his wife Clarene, Elizabethton, and Harry Kerley and his wife Josephine, Mountain City; and special friends, Mary Odom, Jean Bayne, Phyllis Whitehead and Margaret Stanley. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
A service to honor the life of Bill Kerley was conducted at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 7, in the Rhododendron Chapel, Roan Mountain, with Bill’s dear friend and Pastor, Rev. Dr. Martin Christian, officiating. Prayer was given by Rev. Travis Tyler. Music was under the direction of Mrs. Debbie Gouge and Abounding Grace. The family received friends at the Rhododendron Chapel from 2 until 3 p.m. Sunday, prior to the service. Interment followed the funeral service in the Harrell-Kerley Cemetery. Military Honors were accorded by the Carter County Honor Guard. Active pallbearers were Steve Kerley, Scott Davis, Charlie Bowman, Tom Kerley, Don Kerley, David Arnold, Donald Greet and Brad Higgins. Honorary pallbearers were Johnny Markland, Fred Fields, Conley Shell, Beryl Norris, Randy English, Delaney Berry, Millard King, Gene Mosley, Butch Baumgardner, Thomas Odom, Tom Laws, John Garland, Charlie Arnett, Lynn Ellis, Dr. Robert Walter, Dr. Shobha Hiremagalur, Richard Grindstaff, members of Magill Memorial Presbyterian Church, neighbors and residents and staff of the Waters of Roan Highlands Nursing Center. The family would like to express a special thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff of the Johnson City Medical Center for the loving care given to Mr. Kerley during his illness. For those who prefer memorials may be made to Magill Memorial Presbyterian Church, 296 Highway 143, Roan Mountain, TN 37687. Online condolences may be sent to the family and viewed by visiting our website at www.hathawaypercy.com.
Hathaway-Percy, Rhododendron Chapel, Roan Mountain, is serving the Kerley family. Office (423) 543-5544.