Jay E. Kerley

Jay Elwyn Kerley, 63, of Georgetown, passed away suddenly at his home on Wednesday, October 5, 2022. He was born March 23, 1959, in Salisbury, a son of Mary Louise (Ennis) Kerley and the late Kenneth Lee Kerley. Jay grew up in Melson and was a member of Melson United Methodist Church. He graduated from Delmar High School with the class of ’78. Throughout high school he played football and basketball and was a member of the first Delaware State Championship Football team of 1976. After high school he played in several men’s softball leagues across Delmarva. In his younger days Jay worked several years at the DuPont plant in Seaford before he left to work as a mechanic with his father. For the past 26 years he had worked as a pipe foreman and crew leader for the Melvin L. Joseph Construction Co. Jay loved the outdoors and was happiest when cutting wood or fishing. His love for sports continued into adulthood, especially when it came to NASCAR and football, and he was a lifelong Raiders fan. He will be most remembered for his incredible love for his family. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 23 years, Kathie (Griffith) Kerley; a brother, Wyatt D. Kerley and wife Jeani; sisters, Glenda Fisher and husband Donald, and Dawn Kerley; nieces, Jayme Thompson and husband Kenneth, and Kendall Gordy; nephew, Dustan Fisher and wife Sarah; great nephew, Gabriel Fisher; great niece, Leah Fisher; and brother-in-law, Denny Griffith and wife Peggy. He is also survived by several cousins, his extended Melvin Joseph Construction family and a host of close friends. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 at Short Funeral Home in Delmar, and also on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00, followed by a funeral service which begins at 11:00. The Reverend John Oltman will officiate. Interment will follow at Melson’s Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Melson United Methodist Church, 32705 Melson Road, Delmar, MD 21875. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.

Jay E. Kerley

March 23, 1959 - October 5, 2022