Kermit Lyerly

Kermit Lyerly, 81, arrived at his heavenly home on August 19, 2021.  He was met by his wife of 56 years, Frances Kay Johnson Lyerly; his parents, Martin Luther and Ernie Ethel Baker Lyerly and brother, Otis Lyerly.

He leaves behind his sister, Barbara McKenzie; niece, Rhonda and Richard Sieg, all of Chandler, Arizona; nephews, Mark Lyerly of Jefferson, Ohio and Monty Lyerly of Mentor, Ohio; as well as special friends, Lana Kennedy, Bobby Greene, and Edith Aduana.

Kermit was born in Jenkins, Kentucky May 22, 1940, where he met and married his wife, Frances at First Baptist Church.  They moved to Kirtland, Ohio where they faithfully served the Lord at Willoughby Baptist Church for 42 years.  They moved to Whitesburg, Tennessee in 2003 where they became members of Russellville Baptist Church.  Kermit loved the Lord, and he loved his church family.

In Kermit’s younger years, he worked at a local filling station after school.  This is when his love of vehicles both old and new began.  He was later employed by Lincoln Electric for 20 years where he worked long hours and then would work at home late into the night restoring vehicles in his garage.  He belonged to the Model “A” Club in Kirtland where he made many life-long friends.  He restored many cars and trucks over the years; however, his ’57 Chevy was his pride and joy.

Kermit and Frances enjoyed camping as they traveled to many states and campgrounds, making friends along the way.  When they moved to Tennessee, their plans were to continue camping. However, shortly after they moved, Frances was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.  Kermit then devoted his life to caring for her at home.  As the disease progressed, it became necessary to seek help for her care.  There were many kind and compassionate “helpers” with him until she passed away.  He remained friends with many of these helpers.

Kermit would have been lost had it not been for the many good friends who were there for him and encouraged him to continue to work on his vehicles.  He delighted in helping them “tinker” on their cars, too.  Since he was knowledgeable on all makes and models, his friends would always call Kermit when they had a problem with their vehicle.  His first question always started with, “Have you tried…?”  Most of the time, he was able to solve the problem.  Kermit will forever be missed by all that knew him.

Graveside services will be 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 26, 2021, at Creech’s Chapel Cemetery with the Rev. Gene Nelson officiating.  Due to the rise in COVID cases, those in attendance are asked to wear facial coverings and practice social distancing.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shady Grove Church Food Ministry, 2115 Highway 113, Whitesburg, TN 37891. This food ministry was a blessing to Kermit and Frances Lyerly during their later years and was appreciated more than words can express.  Allen Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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