Vance Kennerly

Mr. Vance Kennerly (Bill) of Charlotte, N.C. died Monday, May 30th, 2011 after a yearlong battle with cancer. He was a 1965 graduate of Lenoir High School where he lettered in football and was all conference in track. He was also an Eagle Scout. Mr Kennerly attended Lees-Mcrae College and Central Piedmont College. He also attended Aviation Mechanics School and graduated with honors. Vance was a Vietnam Veteran and had over 1500 hours in the air as a helicopter crew chief with the 101st Airborne Division. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Air Metal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Metal and Crew Chief Wings. He was an avid fisherman and especially enjoyed salt-water fishing with his fishing family on Ocracoke Island. He was driven by passion in everything he did whether it was Austin Healy sport cars, motorcycles or bicycles. His mother, Martha Dotson Kennerly and his father Vance Willard Kennerly,Sr. preceded him in death. His sister, Jane Kennerly of Franklin, N.C. and his brother, Bob Kennerly of Morganton, N.C. survive him. Also surviving are cousins Ann Fox Andrews of Virginia, David Fox of Cary, N.C, Nancy Kennerly Stevens of Lenoir, N.C., step mother Virginia Kennerly Asay of Santa Maria, California and special friends Bill Stronach of Lenoir, N.C. and Boyd Bourne of Montpelier, VA. There will be a Memorial Service in the chapel of First Presbyterian Church in Lenoir, N.C. on June 25th, at 3:00 pm. Visitation will be before and after the service. The Reverend Rob Hinman will be officiating. Burial will follow in the Oakwood Cemetery in Statesville, NC Online condolences can be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com. Nicholson Funeral Home in Statesville is assisting in the local arrangements for the family of Vance "Bill" Kennerly.