P. J. Kerce Jr.

P.J. Kerce, Jr., September 4, 1940 December 12, 2024 84 years old.
P. J. Kerce, Jr, affectionately known as "Junior" to his family and friends, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 12, 2024, in a tragic work related accident in Alachua County, Florida.
"Junior" was the eldest son born to his late parents, P.J. Kerce, Sr, and Mildred Louise Phillips Kerce, on September 4, 1940, in Lake City, FL, where he, along with his seven siblings, grew up on the family farm and were taught to trust in God, that family is important and should be loved and appreciated and many other valuable lessons, including good work ethic and "anything worth doing is worth doing right."
In his early years he attended Mason City School and later graduated from Ft. White High School. Shortly after high school graduation, he was hired by the Jacksonville District of the Florida Department of Transportation where he began his training in surveying, heavy equipment operations, and road construction. He moved to Jacksonville, and lived with his Uncle, Frank Kerce and family, and later transferred to the Lake City District. He had a long career with the FL DOT, completing his retirement with them and the Columbia County Road Department. Because of his knowledge and expertise in road construction, he was recruited after his retirement by Couch Construction and accepted a position with them.
Junior accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord, making a public profession of his faith when he was baptized by his late brother, George A. "Archie" Kerce, at Hopeful Baptist Church.
He was a faithful member of CrossPoint Church in Lake City, FL, and expressed on numerous occasions how he loved hearing Pastor Tommy's messages. A particular favorite message of his was found in Matthew 14: 24-29 where the disciples were in the ship in the middle of the sea and a storm began to toss the ship around. Then the disciples saw Jesus walking toward them on the water and when Peter questioned who He was, Jesus said to Peter..Come! Junior loved reading his Bible and sharing with family members about the truths and promises he found in the scriptures!
Junior is preceded in death by his parents, P.J. Kerce, Sr and Mildred Louise Phillips Kerce, sister Annie Lee Kerce Horne, brother-in-law Kermit Horne, brother George A. "Archie" Kerce, brother-in-law, A.B. Markham, and nephew Aaron B. Markham.
He is survived by his son, Frank Troy Kerce (Sheri), sisters, Margie Kerce Markham, Mary Kerce Greene (LN), Linda Kerce Harris (James), and Goldie Kerce Hudson (Wayne), and brother John D. "Johnny" Kerce (Myrtle). He is survived by nieces Cindy Markham Gaylard (Ervin), Debbie Markham Rogers (Arky), Wanda Markham Parnell (Freddie), Cathy Louise Horne, Patricia "Patti" Bass (Billy), Ginger Harris Norris (Keith), Amy Harris Touchstone (Mark), Terran LeAnn Hudson, Mandy Kerce, Danielle Kerce Thornton, Melissa Kerce Brown (Sean) and nephews Stephen Markham (Sonia), Ray Horne (Susan), Joseph Horne (Lily), David Greene (Leslie), Chad Kerce, Daniel Harris, Tommy Hudson (Heather), Tim Hudson (Tammy), and Matt Kerce. He is also survived by many great nieces and nephews.
Junior loved his family and was dearly loved by all of his family. Although we will miss him terribly, we are so comforted to know we will see him again! Services will be conducted on Monday, December 16, 2024, as follows: CrossPoint Church 5111 SW SR 47 Lake City, FL 32024. Visitation: 10 a.m. Funeral: 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Hopeful Baptist Church cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. US HWY 441, Lake City, FL, 32025, 386-752-1954. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.