Howard Wayne Kennerly

Howard Wayne Kennerly (Wayne) left us to be with the Lord on November 30th, 2024. He passed at his home surrounded with love from all of his family after a long and heroic battle with heart and polyneuropathy amyloidosis. Born on April 23rd, 1943 in Salisbury, NC, he attended Boyden High School, Appalachian College and King's College from where he graduated as an accounting and business major. He used his education and love of people to become a successful salesman and businessman throughout his life, starting at Stuckey Furniture Store, co-owning The Furniture House of NC, onto becoming the Regional and Vice President of sales for Schaefer Iron Works, until retiring after working many years for and earning countless awards from Monessen Hearth Systems. After retirement, he occasionally worked in the snack bar at Corbin Hills golf course for his enjoyment. Wayne served in the Army Reserves for 6 years and was an active member of the Harold B. Jarrett American Legion Post 342, where he served as Commander three times, membership chairman and also as their financial Officer. He greatly enjoyed being a part of planning and organizing the annual golf tournaments, being involved with all the Legion members, attending events, and fundraising. Wayne was also heavily involved in the Salisbury Lions Club since the 1980’s. He served in every office available at his club here in Salisbury at one time or another, including serving as club president three separate times. He further served as District Zone Chairman, Deputy District Governor, District Chairman of the Lions Club International Foundation, and was on the State of NC Lions Foundation Board of Directors. Most recently, even in his declining health, he served as District Governor of 31-I. In recognition of his many years of hard work, Wayne received many awards for his service that are displayed proudly on his walls, including Lion of the Year, Lifetime Member, 100% President, two Jack Stickly Awards, Key and Advanced Key Member, Man of the Year, the International President Award, the Melvin Jones Fellow award and many more. Most recently, he was honored, surprised, and humbled when he received the “Wayne Kennerly Membership Award,” which was created to honor his dedication in bringing new members into the Lions club. Wayne worked hard, he provided and served, he loved all sports and was a friend to all. He was a big supporter of American Legion Baseball and Catawba College Chiefs Club. But most importantly, he loved his family. From time spent each and every Sunday with family dinners, to vacations and family holidays, to sporting events and graduations, to playing with grandchildren, he never missed a chance to be present and spend time with his family. He was a loving husband, thoughtful and involved daddy, a fun-loving “pawpaw,” and most recently, an excited grand-pawpaw. He loved and was loved and will be carried in our hearts always. Left to cherish his memory is his devoted wife of 57 years, Judy Cranford Kennerly, his loving children, Susan Kennerly Klein (CDR Jason) and Patrick Kennerly (April) and his well loved grandchildren, Katy, Sara and Joshua Klein, Shelby (fiancée Lane Brantley) and LCPL Cameron (Brooklyn) Kennerly, and great granddaughter Madison Kennerly. Also left to cherish his memory is his caring sister, Carol Kennerly Gibbs of Cookeville, TN. Preceding him in death was his mother, Emma Kepley Kennerly. Wayne grew up attending Coburn United Methodist Church, and recently began attending Christiana Lutheran Church, first in person, and later as his health declined, he never missed the live online stream of both Sunday school and church from Christiana. Worship was a huge part of his life, and thus it gives his family great comfort knowing that he is now at peace and free of his amyloidosis, enjoying his well-deserved rest in the Kingdom of Heaven. The family will receive friends from 1-2:30 at Summersett Funeral Home on Wednesday Dec. 4 and gather for a Memorial Service immediately after, with Reverend William S. Ketchie presiding. Burial will follow at Chestnut Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials or donations may be made to the American Heart Association 7272 Greenville Ave Dallas, TX 75231 memo line: Charlotte Market “Rest now dear, in peaceful embrace, In infinite love, time and space. Though we part ways, our hearts entwine, Your memory forever in our hearts will shine.” - Anonymous Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Kennerly family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Howard Wayne Kennerly

April 23, 1943 - November 30, 2024