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BORN
1937
DIED
2018
Vincent Kerr Obituary
Vincent J. Kerr, DVM, passed away August 6, 2018 at the age of 80. He was born Dec. 2, 1937, attended grammar school and high school in New Jersey before entering Cornell University in 1955, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture.
After earning credits at Columbia University in New York during the summer of 1959, he worked for a year in tetanus antitoxin research at Lederle Laboratories, where he also served as a test subject for the oral polio vaccine. In 1960, as the only out-of-state student, he was accepted into Purdue University's veterinary program, from which he graduated in 1964 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.
After working 10 years for a small animal practice and surgery clinic in Nashville, Tennessee, Dr. Kerr moved his family to Jacksonville, where he bought the long-running Edison Avenue Veterinary Hospital. Together with his wife, Diane, who was the clinic's office manager, Dr. Kerr served the community for 39 years until a fall in January 2013 resulted in a spinal cord inury.
Dr. Kerr was also a passionate spay/neuter advocate who donated assistance and part of his facilities to First Coast No More Homeless Pets during that group's critical, early formative years. He also worked at the horse and dog tracks in their heyday, with a large racing greyhound practice. Many clients brought pets from all over North Florida to Dr. Kerr.
Vincent Kerr is survived by his wife and constant companion in life and work of 55 years, Diane; son, Vincent, (Lisa); daughter, Pamela Bradford Williams (Seth); son, Daniel; granddaughters, Tarryn Bradford Poling (Brandon) and Sophia Williams; grandsons, Joshua and John (Zain and Zack); great-grandson, Bradford Poling, and a brother, David Kerr.
Dr. Kerr was cremated, and a celebration of life service will be held Friday, August 31 at 11 a.m. at St Matthews Catholic Church, 1773 Blanding Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32210.
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Terry Williams
August 22, 2022
R.I.P. Dr. Kerr
Paul D Zetterower
December 29, 2021
I knew of Dr Kerr´s injury, but didn´t know of his passing until today. Mrs. Kerr, my belated but sincere condolences to you and your family. Dr. Kerr was a one of a kind individual, a great doctor and even better person. The way in which he and yourself expressed compassion over the years seemed to know no limits. Rest In Peace, Dr Kerr, thank you for so many years of kindness to both animals and humans on this earth. Mrs. Kerr, God´s peace with you, you are a good soul.
Terry Williams
August 22, 2019
Dr Kerr is/was more than family, he was a kind hearted person that would go out of his was to help those in need...friend's, family and stranger's...R.I.P. Dr Kerr
Dan Presson
February 22, 2019
I met Dr. Kerr in 1983 when my father and I had a business a couple of doors down from him on Edison Avenue. He was a very caring, compassionate and generous person with a great sense of humor. He would often stop by during his mid-day lunchtime walks and visit with us. He took great care of our Dobermans and other pets for many years. My deepest condolences to Diane and the Kerr family.
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Terry Williams
October 26, 2018
Dr Kerr was a man of men. I'm fortunate to have known him. R.I.P.
Christina S
September 8, 2018
I am devastated by this news only because Dr. Kerr is the last of his kind. I can't find another Vet like him in Jacksonville. I am so grateful for his ultimate love of animals and the amazing partnership of him and Diane. They were a force of good to be reckoned with. I won't forget how it seemed like they would always be helping an abandoned or neglected animal at every visit. It was always at no charge. And without fail, I remember getting quietly emotional at this beautiful display of humanity no matter what I had going on with my pets. A quiet imposing figure, he would turn into a complete softie as soon as he saw your pet. I liked him more every time we would go - for good visits or bad ones. He was consistently himself and never waivered in his kindness. Bless you Dr. Kerr. I am sure the rainbow bridge is welcoming you with thousands of happy pets and even though I mourn your loss, the world is a better place because of you. My condolences to his family and Diane.
Carolyn Sheridan Tatum
August 30, 2018
Dr. Kerr was a wonderful, caring man. He was our vet when I was a kid with my first kitten and continued to be as I grew into adulthood and adopted my dog Daisy; and many furry friends in between. I know he will be missed by many.
Brian, Deirdre and Megan Cruise
August 30, 2018
Dr Kerr and Diane did so much much for the animals in the Jacksonville community for so many years. We ended up at Edison based on a co-workers recommendation. I was thrilled when I found out that Dr Kerr was a Purdue graduate, caring for a fellow Boilermaker's "fur babies". He had a quick wit and sense of humor when he said the new puppy had size 10 paws and was going to be a big boy.
Dr Kerr was so kind and compassionite when we had to make that hard decision every pet owner dreads. Diane and Dr Kerr were always so thoughtful with their clients.
We know that Dr Kerr was welcomed into heaven by God, St Francis Assisi, and all his former patients who crossed the "rainbow bridge".
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Diane and the Kerr/Poling/Williams families.
Julie and Nick Humphress
August 28, 2018
What an incredibly caring man. Dr. Kerr was our vet for years and I can still see him drawing on his chalkboard to explain what was wrong. I remember the first time I met him with my geriatric cat. He spent quite a long time and although he never mentioned "dying" my cat's days were seriously numbered. I asked him how will I know and he said, "Your cat will tell you when it is time." I left to settle the bill and Diane said, "No charge." He took care of our old dog through her last days and our new dog and cat (both 9 years old now.) What a guy! My condolences to you Diane. The past years must have been very hard. God's peace.
Stephanie Cavender
August 28, 2018
Diane and family, all my heart is with you. I was 6 years old when Dr. Johnson introduced me to Dr. Kerr. Little did I know how much a part of my life he would be. What a huge loss. Much love and prayers your way. Diane, please keep in touch. [email protected]
Love always, Stephanie Cavender
August 28, 2018
May the God of comfort and peace continue to be with family and friends to see you through this difficult time. Hosea 13:14
August 28, 2018
I am so very sad to hear of Dr. Kerr's passing. He was our veterinarian for many years and a one of a kind caring vet.
Shirley Bowles
Hilda Moore
August 28, 2018
Our family is deeply saddened by the loss of such a wonderful man. There was so much more to Dr. Kerr than being a veterinarian, he was ours for several decades, there's not enough room to list all of his thoughtfulness and greatness. We're sending thoughts and prayers to Diane and family.
Cheryl Walker
August 28, 2018
So very sorry to hear this. Dr. Kerr was our veterinarian for many years. He saved the life of my beloved cat even after I was certain his 9 lives were up! Condolences to the Kerr family.
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