James “Jimmy” Taylor Kerr, age 93 of Milton passed away Friday, November 6, 2026. He was a native of the Halls Hill Community in Rutherford County and was preceded in death by his parents, James T Kerr, and Mary Davis Kerr; sisters, Mary Francis Kerr, Nina Jackson, Margaret Caffey, and Elizabeth Sheridan.
Jimmy was a member of the Church of Christ, a 1952 Graduate of Kittrell High School and attended Middle Tennessee State University. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and retired as Sr. Chief Petty Officer. He retired from Bell South after 38 years of service.
Possessing a naturally analytical mind and phenomenal memory, Jimmy had an amazing knowledge of US history, math, antique tractors, diesel engines and firearms. He had a deep respect and gratitude for his time spent in the Navy, especially the lifelong friends he made and world travel he felt so blessed to do. These experiences also created endless stories of adventure which Jimmy loved to share and could recall in great detail embellished by his own sharp wit.
Jimmy’s roots were deeply embedded in the Halls Hill Community which was his lifelong home. Those roots taught him to live by strong principles; respect for self and others, personal discipline, work ethic and honest dealings. As a father, he made sure those principles were learned and practiced within his family.
Jimmy is survived by his children, Denise Kerr Johnson, Lisa Henderson and husband John, James Taylor Kerr Jr, and wife Amelia, Edward Hollandsworth Kerr and wife Angie; grandchildren, Jaclyn Grove and husband Troy, Lauren Gerdes and husband Matthew, Christopher Reeves and wife Jannah, Caroline Reeves, Samuel Taylor Kerr and wife Kara, J.T. Kerr, Dylan Hamilton and wife Emily, Dalton Hamilton and wife Samantha, Katie Bryant and husband Luke, Hatton Kerr and ten great-grandchildren.
“ The watch is over. For you, the storm is over, the sea is calm, and the sky is clear. Rest in peace, Sailor. We have the watch”
A memorial gathering will be Sunday November 15th 1:00PM to 4:00PM at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. Military Honors at 4:00PM. www.woodfinchapel.com
