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Gregg KERLEY Obituary
KERLEY, Gregg Anthony
6-27-48 to 1-29-11
Gregg Anthony 'Tony' Kerley died quickly from cancer in Sacramento. Born in Austin, TX, son of Lloyd Chester and Lillian E. Kerley, he is survived by his partner of 30 years, Clifford Shockney and his best friend from high school, Gretchen Morgan (Steve Tuttle) from Sacramento, his in-laws Harriet P. Shockney, Bradford, Joseph, Virginia Shockney and Nona Hodder (Skip), niece and nephew Aaron and Sarah from Indianapolis and multiple cousins including Sharonda Holton, Delores Duffie, from Austin. After graduating from Austin High and Tennessee State, he earned a MSW from Our Lady of the Lake in San Antonio then served in the US Army. In 1974 he began working at McClellan AFB, becoming Clinical Director of the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Program. His last few years were with the VA at Travis AFB, retiring in 2005. He was a founding member, Elder, Chairman of Trustees and mentor to the pastors at Genesis Church. He served on the board of the Kerley Scholarship Fund in Austin, the Forum for Chemical Dependency in Sacramento, and regularly volunteered for the Sacramento Master Singers. Tony also loved to travel both here and abroad. Always loving, his laughter and zest for life was infectious. The one life lesson he taught us all is that friendship is a living thing that lasts only as long as it is nourished with kindness, empathy and understanding. Memorial service will be Saturday, February 5 at 10:00 a.m., at Genesis Church, 2801 Meadowview Rd., Sacramento. Memorial gifts may be sent to CARES, 1500 21st Street, Sacramento, 95816.
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Memories and Condolences
for Gregg KERLEY
5 Entries
Janice Lopez
February 26, 2011
Oh, Tony, the world is not the same place without you. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
Mike and Janice
Carl Gregory
February 20, 2011
At every Stephen F. Austin High School reunion I have attended, I looked in particular for Anthony, but did not find him. It breaks my heart that I can no longer have this hope. Singing in the concert choir with him was a special joy and one of my brightest memories of Austin High. He seemed to make it his special mission to crack me up just as our choir director was watching (our greatest fear), and I tried to return the favor. I can't remember a single conversation with Anthony that wasn't filled with laughter. I can't remember him expressing anything but joy. I can't imagine any new memories, which will always be happy, without an extra tear.
Laurie Bisset Grady
February 6, 2011
Dear Cliff:
We are holding Gregg and you in our hearts and prayers. Gregg and you are a very special part of our lives . . especially your wedding dinner gift and being with us when we married.
We are both better for having you in our world. With love and friendship,
Laurie & Rudy
Saundra Thornton
February 4, 2011
To Cliff:
I am deeply sadden by the news of Gregg's passing. I pray your strength during this time of sorrow. But, there's joy in knowing that he is free from earthly pain and with the Lord. I'm sure that he and my mother (Maggie Thornton) are laughing and joking around once again in GLORY!
Paul Brower
February 4, 2011
It is with a great sense of loss to learn of Gregg’s sudden passing. It brings focus to the importance of taking moments simply to reconnect with others we value highly, because our moments are limited. We worked together at McClellan AFB only from 1984 to 1986. In that time, he left me a lifetime memory of his great love of life and welcoming of others around him. I am grateful for the shared time with his quick, witty exchanges followed by his trademark full laughter. He shared openly, gave much and holds a lasting presence with me. To Gregg.
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