James “Hershel” Kerby – Obituary

James “Hershel” Kerby, 72, of Leighton, passed away December 20, 2013. Visitation will be Sunday, December 22, 2013 from 12-2 p.m. at Colbert Memorial. The service will be at 2 p.m. in the chapel. Burial will follow in Glendale Cemetery. Officiating will be Douglas Flannagin and Bro. Billy George.
Hershel was a faithful member of New Sockwell Baptist Church for 40-plus years, serving in many areas including song leader, Sunday School director and Deacon. He had a great love for the Lord and his family. He was an avid singer and enjoyed his life. Hershel retired from Reynolds Metals after 19 years of service and from the State of Alabama Health Department after 15 years.
He is survived by his wife of 51 wonderful years, Helen Flannagin Kerby; son, Jason Kerby (Denise); daughter, Stacey Carpenter (Roy); sisters, Betty Jo Brackin (Devon), Alice Mansell, and Rachel Bond Glover; grandchildren, Halie, Ryan, and Isaiah Carpenter and Dalton Kerby; a host of loving nieces, nephews and in-laws.
Pallbearers will be family and friends. Honorary pallbearers are Devon Brackin, Bobby Wright, Roy Gower and Jackie Pounders.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the doctors and nurses of ECM CTRU and to Dr. James Ashmore and staff.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to New Sockwell Baptist Church, 335 Sockwell Lane, Leighton, AL 35646 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital , PO Box 1000, Dept 300, Memphis, TN 38148-0552.