Terry Michael Kerley, 75, of Taylorsville, N.C., passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville, N.C.

Terry was born August 23, 1950, in Alexander County, the son of the late Odell Kerley and Mildred Deal Kerley.

Terry proudly served in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Korea. He worked as an upholster supervisor with CVCC, teaching the correctional inmates. He was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, where he was a Sunday school teacher for many years, and sang in the choir. He enjoyed fishing and socializing with family and friends. He always had a smile and loved spending time with his grandchildren, and he adored his furry friend, Bindi.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Gail Bowman.

Those left to cherish and honor Terry’s memories include his wife of almost 33 years, Betty Duckworth Kerley; his daughters, Whitney Dillard (Dustin) of Taylorsville, and Tracy Campbell (Ross) of Telford, Tenn.; his sons, Chad Kerley (Amanda) of Taylorsville and Josh Ross of Morganton; his grandchildren, Braedon (Nicole) Schuszler, Tyler Kerley, Lyndsi Mecimore, and Jacob Campbell; his sister, Lavonda Weaver (Darrin) of Taylorsville; his nephew, Jeff Bowman; and his great-uncle, Delaney Bradford.

The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Pastor Tim Jolly will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors. The family will receive friends from 2 until 3 p.m. prior to the service.

Pallbearers include Howard Tevepaugh, Tony Tevepaugh, Bryan Tevepaugh, Tyler Kerley, Braedon Schuszler, and Garrett Fox. DAV Chapter 84 will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to DAV Chapter 84, 582 Carrigan Road, Taylorsville, NC 28681. Condolences may be sent to www.adamsfunerals.com.

Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to be serving the family of Terry Kerley.