Billy Joe Kerby was born July 23, 1929 in Adamsville, TN the son of the late Sam and Lexie Brewer Kerby. He retired after 30 years of service as a Corrections Officer for the State of Tennessee.
Mr. Kerby served a term as Sheriff of McNairy County from 1954 to 1956. He was a United States Army Veteran having served as a Medic in the Korean War attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. He was a member of Selmer First Baptist Church, a 32nd Degree Mason, and a Shriner. Mr. Kerby enjoyed Miss Jo’s cooking, playing dominoes over the years at the old Morton Store, gardening, but most of all the peace and quite of home. He liked watching basketball, especially Duke, North Carolina, Kentucky, and the University of Memphis. He departed this life on January 15, 2016 at his home at the age of 86 Years, 5 Months, 23 Days.
He is survived by his wife Jo Ellen Mitchell Kerby of Adamsville; two daughters, Theresa Kerby and Kay Kerby both of Nashville, TN; two stepsons, Jerry Mitchell and wife Charlotte of Selmer, TN, Rodney Mitchell and wife Peggy of Bethel Springs, TN; four step grandchildren: Jeremy Mitchell, Andrea Mitchell, Philip Mitchell, and Ross Mitchell.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Kerby was preceded in death by a sister, Sammie Rea Kerby Hendrix.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Selmer, TN.
