Curtis Lee Kerley, age 89, of Oak Ridge, died Friday, June 14, at Tennova North Medical Center after a brief stay at Golden Living Windwood Skilled Nursing Facility in Clinton. He was born March 29, 1924, in Carlock, Ill., the son of George and Elsie Kerley.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Alvin Kerley and Ruby Rogers; his beloved wife Martha Kerley of over 61 years; and son-in-law, Bob Dix.

Mr. Kerley attended Lenoir City High School, but left before graduation in 1943 to enlist in the U.S. Navy. He had perfect school attendance from first grade all the way through. In 1970, he was awarded his diploma. He served with the U.S. Navy from May 19, 1943, to November 28, 1945, and served aboard the Destroyer #679 in the Pacific.

In 1947, he graduated from Knoxville Business with a degree in salesmanship and business administration. He worked at the Y-12 plant in Oak Ridge after World War II as an accountant, where he met his wife Martha Eula Smothers. In 1951, he attained a certificate in accounting from the University of Tennessee. [Read more…]