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- [S16] Obituary.
September 6, 2011
Chattanooga Times Free Press
DAYTON, TN - The Rev. Milton A. Kerley, 86, was welcomed into the arms of his Savior on Saturday, September 3, 2011.
He was born on October 3, 1924, in Dunlap to the late Robert and Grace Kerley.
He spent time as a coal miner, a soldier with the U.S. Army, a steel mill worker, a preacher, a husband, a father, a grandfather and great-grandfather.
He left his wife and young son to bravely serve his county during World War II, where he saw action in Italy at the battle of Monte Casino. Upon returning, he served as a prison guard in California. He moved his family to Gary, Ind., where he worked for LTD Steel, eventually feeling the call of the Lord on his life. He built and pastured Brunswick General Baptist Church in Indiana, which is still an active congregation today. In 1976, he and his family returned to Tennessee, where he worked in various positions until finally retiring in 1998. His work didnt stop then, he also served as Assistant Pastor at Union Fork Baptist Church which continues to thrive. He was always willing and ready to talk about God, family, politics, weather, and never meet a stranger and touch a large number of lives. He left a legacy of love for is God, family and his country.
He was also preceded in death by his son, Jerry A. Kerley, of Indiana, son-in-law, Everett Gene Borders, of Soddy-Daisy.
He is survived by his bride of 70 years, Naomi Cooley Kerley;sons, Rick (Connie) Kerley, of Indiana, Boyd (Sharron) Kerley, of Arizona, Michael (Cheryl) Kerley, of Dayton; daughter, LaDonna Borders, of Soddy-Daisy; grandchildren, Jennifer, Amy, Tiffany, Tony, Brandy, Crystal, Ryan, Derrick, Brianna, and Wendy; great-grandchildren, Ansley, Tyler, Hannah, Conner, Chloe; five great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Wilda, Margie Shuping, Barbara Britton; several nieces and nephews; close family friends, Brother Myrl Ross, Wanda Brown, and Amy Herndon.
Funeral service will benoon Thursday in the funeral home chapel with Brother Tony Wilson officiating.
Interment will follow in Chattanooga National Cemetery with Military Honors.
Family will receive friends from 2-9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Arrangements are by Williamson and Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379
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