Bryce Nelson Kerns

Bryce Nelson Kerns

November 22, 2025

UNICOI - Bryce Nelson Kerns, age 75, of Unicoi, passed away on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Johnson City Medical Center. A native of Unicoi, Bryce Is a son of the late Kenneth Leonard and Agnes Faye (George) Kerns. He was of the Christian faith and was a proud veteran of the United States Army. Bryce served his community in many ways through the years, including as an auto mechanic for more than 20 years, running a Sears store with his wife, and working at GE. After retirement, Bryce was a Master Craftsman in Woodworking, making beautiful bowls, cutting boards, Christmas Ornaments, and trains out of wood.

While in college, Bryce worked on the Clinchfield steam engine that ran from Erwin through Spruce Pine, NC to Spartanburg, SC. It was during one of these train excursions that he met the love of his life, Darlene, in July of 1969. A little over a year later, on December 5, 1970, they were married. In addition to his parents, Bryce is preceded in death by his sister, Saundra Leigh (Kerns) Booher; father-in-law, William Douglas Hollifield, Sr.; mother-in-law, Ruth Lola (Wiseman) Hollifield; brothers-in-law: Charles Hollifield, Bill Hollifield, Tommy Hollifield and James R. Hollifield.

Bryce Nelson Kerns has left behind to cherish his memory: his beloved wife of 55 years, Darlene (Hollifield) Kerns; son, Bryan Douglas Kerns (Sherrie); grandchildren: Caleb Bryce Kerns (Brooke) and Katelyn Grace Kerns; one great-grandchild who is on the way; niece, Vicki Boone (Charles), who have been such a big support; and several other nieces, nephews, and extended family members and friends.

The family would like to offer special thanks to the nursing staff at Johnson City Medical Center for their kindness and care during this difficult time.

A visitation period to share memories and offer support to the family will begin at 2:00 pm on Sunday, November 30, 2025, and will continue until 3:00 pm at First Christian Church of Erwin. A celebration of Bryce's life will begin at 3:00 pm. Dr. Todd Edmondson will officiate. A committal service will be held in the mausoleum chapel at Evergreen Cemetery at 2:00 pm on Monday, December 1, 2025. Those attending the committal service should meet at Evergreen Cemetery by 1:50 pm on Monday for the service. Active pallbearers will be chosen from family and church family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Bryce's name to First Christian Church, 307 S Main Ave., Erwin, TN 37650.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.valleyfuneralhome.net or on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ValleyFuneralHomeErwin. These arrangements are made especially for the family and friends of Bryce Nelson Kerns through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N Main Ave., Erwin, TN. 37650. (423)743-9187.