Ralph I. "Bud" Kerns

Ralph Irving "Bud" Kerns, 97, of Cross Junction, VA, passed on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the Winchester Medical Center.

Bud was Born on October 12, 1928, in Frederick County, VA, he was the son of the late Irving B. Kerns and Reva Luttrell Kerns. He was a hardworking and dedicated businessman throughout his life. He was self-employed for many years, owning and operating Midway Truck Stop and Garage, as well as Ralph I. Kerns Excavating. He took great pride in his work and especially enjoyed running heavy machinery, operating his tractor while clearing snow in the winter. Bud was known for always tinkering with something and keeping busy.

He was a bluegrass music enthusiast and treasured the many memories made traveling to bluegrass festivals with his beloved wife, Phyllis, during her lifetime. Above all else, Bud loved his family. Time spent with his children, grandchildren, and extended family was what he cherished most. He was a lifetime member of the Reynolds Store Volunteer Fire and Rescue, faithfully serving his community over the years, including helping make the soup at community events.

On October 15, 1955, in Winchester, VA, he married Phyllis Marie McCoy Kerns. She preceded him in death on July 8, 1985.

He is survived by two sons, Stanley R. Kerns and Rodney Lopp (Kathy) all of Cross Junction, VA; three daughters, Shelley McCarty (Donnie), Lori McCarty (JJ) all of Cross Junction, VA, and Cheryl DeHaven of White Post, VA; one brother, R. Dale Kerns of Cross Junction, VA; four sisters, Dorothy Tinsman of Hedgesville, WV, Nona Smith of Winchester, VA, Jean Gentry and Mary Wine both of Cross Junction, VA; nine grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous bonus great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Bud was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Miranda Kerns; a brother, Wayne Kerns; and a sister, Judy Harmison.

The family will receive friends at Giffin Funeral Home and Crematory in Capon Bridge, WV, on Tuesday, February 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 2 p.m., with Pastor David Omps officiating. Interment will immediately follow in Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Cross Junction, VA.

Memorial contributions may be made to Reynolds Store Volunteer Fire and Rescue, PO Box 235, Cross Junction, VA 22625.

There will be a time of food and fellowship immediately following the committal at the Reynolds Store Vol. Fire and Rescue, 9381 North Frederick Pike, Cross Junction, VA, 22625.