William Russell Kerley

On October 30, 1950, William Russell Kerley made his debut. Born to Betty Linear Kerley and William Kerley in Pittsburgh, Pa. William grew up in Pittsburgh's Hill District along with his 5 brothers and sisters. As, a young boy, William loved sports of all kind, which he continued to love well into adulthood. At the age of 13 William's father passed away and he immediately took on the role & responsibility of being the "man of the house". He helped his mother raise his younger brothers and sisters, feeding, bathing, and making sure they got to and from school.

After attending Pittsburgh Public Schools at the age of 17 William enlisted into the Marines, while still helping his mother, he would send home his allotment checks every month. After being honorably discharged from the Marines because of injury, William returned back to Pittsburgh as Vietnam Vet where he had two daughters Donna Daniels & Summer Kerley. William then resorted back to his love of sports and became a boxing trainer and trained many of young men from his neighborhood. He also found time to attend school for electronics. William was known for his dapper fashion. In 1998, William met and married to Alfreda Kerley and they spent many wonderful years together. He spent his later years fishing and time with his grandkids.

William departed this life on October 16, 2020 and is proceeded in death by his father William Kerley, mother Betty Kerley, brother David Hackley, sister Gloria Kerley-Solomon, brother Bernard Kerley, sister Angalene Kerley-Rivers, and his beloved daughter Donna Daniels.

He leaved behind his wife Alfreda Johnson-Kerley, daughter; Summer Lynn Kerley, Step-daughters: Vera Lynn Babbs, Tenea Story, Step-son; Loran Johnson, Jr.; sisters; Yvonne Chatman, Charmaine Kerley-Proctor, Cheree (Gregory) Kerley-Jones, brother; Charles (Rota) Harris, Herbert (Alice) Banks, and Warren Brown, 14 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild; and a host of other relatives and friends.

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