Claude Lyle Kerley, Jr.

HENDERSON- Claude Lyle Kerley, Jr., 84, of Dick Smith Road, died Monday, February 10, 2025 at Duke University Medical Center. Born June 29, 1940 in Vance County, he was the son of the late Cassie Earline Woodlief Kerley and Claude Lyle Kerley, Sr. He was a Major in the North Carolina National Guard and a member of the National Guard Army Reserves upon retirement from the National Guard. While active, he was the National Guard Company Commander for Vance, Granville and Warren Counties. Claude was a lifelong member of Kittrell Baptist Church where he served as Sunday School superintendent and deacon. He was also a former member of the Zeb Vance Ruritan Club. He enjoyed volunteering at Zeb Vance Elementary School for many years and on more than one occasion was awarded the “Volunteer of the Year” award by Vance County Schools. He was known in his community as a caring and helpful neighbor. A memorial service will be held Sunday, February 16, 2025 at 3:00 P.M. at Kittrell Baptist Church by Rev. Dr. Barbara Murphy. Claude is survived by his wife of 56 years, Barabara Davis Kerley of the home; his son, Claude Lyle “C.L” Kerley, III (Andrea) of Henderson; his two granddaughters, Makenzie Ann Kerley and Danika Faye Kerley; his brother, Winston Kerley (Phyllis) of Kittrell; and his loving dog, “Ace.” In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Francis “Pat” Merritt and Ellen Carole Ellis. The family will receive friends immediately after the service on Sunday at a dinner at the home of Cathy and Ian Willis, 2694 Beechtree Trail, Kittrell, NC 27544; and at other times at the home. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to The Food Bank of Eastern North Carolina, Attention: Donations, 1924 Capital Boulevard, Raleigh, NC 27604, Food Bank of Eastern NC Online Donations, or Kittrell Baptist Church C/O Winston Kerley, P.O Box 464, Kittrell, NC 27544.