Willie Kent (Kenny) Kern

Willie Kent (Kenny) Kern, 75, of Duffield, VA, went peacefully to be with Jesus on June 24, 2024, with his family by his side at their home in Mabe, VA. 

He fought a good fight with cancer. Now he’s welcomed home with his Lord and Savior. He was the best Husband, Dad, and Papaw. He loved fishing, playing softball, and basketball. His family especially his grandkids was the light of his life. He loved singing gospel songs in church and attended Kaylor’s Chapel and Durham’s Chapel. 

Kenny was the son of the late Garland and Sybil Shupe Kern. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 2 brothers Terry, and Garland Jr., Kern; and sister, Eva White.

He is survived by his loving wife, of 52 years, Patsy Kern. Sons, David (Alicia), Dwayne (Ginger) Kern; grandchildren, Chloe, Jon, Dawson, and Alidia Kern; brothers, Ronnie, Danny (Glenda) Kern; sisters, Mabel Chandler, Barbara Smith, and Juanita (T.J.) Hood; and many nieces, nephews, and a host of friends. 

The family will receive friends from 5-7p.m., Thursday June 27, 2024, at the Gate City Funeral Home. Services will be conducted at 7:00p.m., in the Gene Falin Memorial Chapel of the funeral home with Pastor David Kern officiating. Kaylor’s Chapel Choir and Durham’s Chapel Choir will provide the music.

Military Graveside services will be conducted at 10:00a.m., Friday, June 28, 2024, at the McNew Cemetery, Duffield, VA. Military rites will be conducted by the American Legion Hammond Post #3, Kingsport TN, Post #265, Gate City, VA, National Guard Honors Team. Family and friends are asked to meet at the funeral home at 9:00a.m., to go in procession to the graveside service. 

Jon Kern, Dawson Kern, Brian McDavid, Mark McDavid, Mike Arrington, and Seth Rhoton will serve as pallbearers. Danny Kern, Ronnie Kern, David Fletcher, and C.H. Quesenberry will serve as honorary pallbearers. 

An online guest register is available for the Kern family at www.gatecityfunerals.com. 

Gate City Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Willie (Kenny) Kern.