Lyndell M. Kerley, PhD

            Lyndell M. Kerley, PhD, age 78, of Jonesborough, TN, loving husband, father and math professor, passed away at Johnson City Medical Center Hospital, Saturday, September 12, 2020 after a period of declining heath. He was born June 21, 1942, in Alexander County, NC, the son of the late Donald L. Kerley and Hazel W. Kerley of Hiddenite, NC.

            Dr. Kerley was a 1960 valedictorian, class president and graduate of Hiddenite High School; a 1964 graduate of Appalachian State with a BS degree in mathematics; a 1965 graduate of Appalachian State with an MA degree in mathematics; and a 1977 graduate of the University of TN with a PhD degree in mathematics and a specialty in real analysis.

            Fulfilling a life-long dream of teaching mathematics, he began his teaching career as Instructor at LeTourneau College, Longview, TX (1965-1967) and became a Professor of Mathematics at East TN State University (1967-2008) where he taught courses in numerical analysis, introduction to analysis, statistics, and calculus in the Department of Mathematics. His research specialty was real analysis, and he published extensively in mathematics and computer science. In addition to teaching at ETSU, he served as assistant to the department chairman. After retirement, he continued teaching as adjunct faculty in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Lenoir Rhyne University (2008-2012). He was a member of the American Math Society and a member of the Mathematical Association of America, serving one term as TN State Director. He was loved and respected by students, his colleagues in the Department of Mathematics, and his family and friends.

            Dr. Kerley was a member of Pilgrim Baptist Church, Hiddenite, NC, and a former member of First Baptist Church, Jonesborough, TN, where he served as a deacon, Sunday School Director, and Sunday school teacher. He loved his family and friends. He traveled to Europe, Hawaii, and many states in the US. He especially enjoyed his high school classmates and reminiscing about people and places.

            In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a young brother, Wendell Kerley; sister, Phyllis K. Patterson; brother, Buford D. Kerley; and brother-in-law, Dewhitt Patterson.

            Dr. Kerley is survived by his wife of 56 years, Linda Johnson Kerley, of the home; two sons, Christopher S. Kerley of Church Hill, TN, Michael D. Kerley and wife, Emily, of Greensboro, NC; granddaughter, Caroline E. Kerley and grandson, Everett P. Kerley, of Greensboro, NC; a sister, Coleen K. Hendren and husband, Dave, of Hiddenite, NC; sister-in-law, Katherine Kerley of Statesville, NC; and a number of nieces and nephews.

            The body will lie-in-state for the public to view and sign book from 2-7 p.m., Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at Adams Funeral Home.

            Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at Pilgram Baptist Church. Revs. Tom Lambert and Randy Campbell will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The body will lie-in-state 30 minutes prior to the service at the church.

            Condolences may be sent to: www.adamsfunerals.com.

            Adams Funeral Home and cremation services is honored to be serving the family of Dr. Lyndell M. Kerley.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lyndell M. Kerley, PhD, please visit our floral store.