Dr. Charles Ray Kerley, age 82, of Harriman went to be with the Lord on Wednesday March 19, 2025. He was born on January 27, 1943, in Big Lick, TN to Ray and Ruby Lee Payne Kerley. He was the loving husband to Tommie Ann Kerley for more than 61 years, and the father to Beverly Cawthon (Bobby), Lisa Kerley, and Benjamin Kerley. He was grandfather of Isaak Kerley, Jacob Kerley, Gracie Kerley, and Trevor Henderson.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ray Kerley, his mother Ruby Lee Payne Kerley, and son Benjamin Kerley. He is survived by his wife Tommie Kerley (Harriman, TN), sister Carolyn Gonce (Hixon,TN), his daughters Beverly Cawthon (Lascassas, TN), and Lisa Kerley (Lebanon, TN), and his grandchildren Isaak Kerley (Lascassas, TN), Jacob Kerley (Murfreesboro, TN), Gracie Kerley (Lascassas, TN), and Trevor Henderson (Lebanon, TN) along with many loving relatives and friends.
He was a longtime resident of Harriman, and a 1961 graduate of Harriman High School. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Tennessee Technology University in 1967 and received both Masters and PhD degrees from the University of Tennessee in 1971.
He retired after 35 years of service as a researcher from Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
He served the City of Harriman on the School Board, and City Council, and retired after 19 years of service as Chief Financial Officer.
He was a member of Trenton Street Baptist Church since 1977 and served the church as Sunday School teacher for the Baraca class, deacon, choir member, and Church Treasurer for more than 40 years.
His generous spirit and extraordinary leadership had a profound impact on the lives of so many members of our community. He served God, his family, and community with Christian faith and a dedication to enhance the lives of all who could benefit by his many talents.
A special thank you to Cindy Jacobsen for her unwavering commitment to Charles and extraordinary care to our family.
The family will receive friends Monday, March 24, 2025, from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at Trenton Street Baptist Church in Harriman. The funeral will follow at 1:00 pm with Pastor David Williams officiating. Interment in Roane Memorial Gardens. The family is requesting memorials to be given to Trenton Street Baptist Church, 519 Trenton Street, Harriman, TN 37748. Kyker Funeral Home of Harriman is serving the Kerley family.