United States Army Veteran, Deacon Charles Cornelius Kerr of 719 West 15th Avenue, Cordele, Georgia died Saturday, December 23, 2023 at the Crisp Regional Hospital in Cordele, Georgia.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, December 30, 2023 at 10:00 AM in the sanctuary of the Beulahland Baptist Church in Cordele, Georgia.  The burial, with military honors, will follow at the Bethel Cemetery in Cordele, Georgia.

Everyone entering the funeral home for visitations or services is required to wear a mask and to practice social distancing.  A mask must be worn throughout the stay.  You must supply your own mask.

Deacon Charles Cornelius Kerr, Jr. was born February 7, 1945 in Cordele, Crisp County, Georgia.  He was born to the late Mr. Charles C. Kerr and the late Mrs. Edna Pooler Kerr.

The foundation for learning was instilled early as he attended Southview Elementary and A. S. Clark High School.  In 1963, he graduated as Class Valedictorian from A. S. Clark High School. He continued his education at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia and earned a Bachelor of Art degree.  Further studying was done at Fort    Valley State University, Fort Valley, Georgia and Valdosta State University, Valdosta, Georgia where he earned his Ed.S.

He began his faith walk at an early age at Mount Calvary Baptist Church. He later joined the Beulahland Baptist Church in Cordele, Georgia.  He was ordained as a deacon and served in whatever capacity he could.

Charles enlisted in the United States Army and served with honor and distinction. Upon the completion of his commitment, he received an  Honorable discharge.

A very friendly man and a true sports fanatic, he won the hearts of legions of educators and students over the years service.  Known to many as "Mr. C" he spent 25 years with the Crisp County School System and later moved on to the Sumter County School system as a principal.  He retired after 35 years of dedicated service to educating and leading learners and teachers.  Even after retirement, he continued to serve as an elected member of the Crisp County Board of  Education.  His love for people was also shown through the 25 years of service he gave to Wal-Mart of Cordele as a Customer Service Manager.

Throughout his life, Deacon Kerr was involved in his community through the Retired Educators Association, Men on the Move Social & Civic Club, Lion Club, Chamber of Commerce, American Legion Post #542, NAACP, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.  He was always willing to lend his support.

On Saturday, December 23, 2023, our beloved peacefully transitioned from this life. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by a daughter, Ms. Sonta Kerr and a brother, Mr. Torrence Toney.

His life's journey will lovingly be reflected upon by his wife, Mrs. Joe Ann Kerr of Cordele, Georgia; his children, Mrs. Rise' (Lional) Jenkins of   Centerville, Georgia, Mr. Rustavious Kerr of Miami, Florida, Mrs. Chyna (Caurice) Mack of Cochran, Georgia, Mrs. Kelli (Donald) Smith of Perry, Georgia, Mrs. Natasha (David) Hall of Warner Robins, Georgia, Mrs. Koronda (Coratio) Vincent of Montgomery, Alabama, Mr. Corey (Teresa) Jackson of Jacksonville, Florida and Mr. Keon (Keyondra) Clark of Cordele, Georgia; his brother, Mr. Paul Kerr of Atlanta, Georgia; 24  grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; his brother; his in-laws, Ms.   Martha Jackson, Mrs. Brenda (Walter) Edwards, Mr. Kenneth Jackson and Mr. Carl (Lula)   Jackson of Cordele, Georgia, Ms. Donna Faye Kearse of Titusville, Florida, and Mr. William (Donna) Jackson of New Orleans, Louisiana; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many sorrowing friends.