He was born May 2, 1930, in New London, Connecticut to the late John Philip Kern and Helen Ruth Ainesworth. Also preceding him in death was his wife, Ann Daughtry Kern, and granddaughter, Karise Ray.
He graduated in 1948 from Montpelier High School in Montpelier, Vermont. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Navy and was stationed on the USS Roosevelt. While on the USS Roosevelt, he was a yeoman and published the ship’s paper, beginning a lifelong career in journalism. Upon discharge from the Navy, he moved to Roanoke Rapids in 1952. He took a job with the Daily Herald as a sports editor, eventually becoming the managing editor of the Daily Herald. He left the Daily Herald in 1988, to begin writing and publishing the Roanoke Valley Journal. After many years of documenting events in and around the Roanoke Valley, he retired from journalism.
He is survived by his children; Richard Kern, Jr. of New Your City, NY; Affie Kern Ray (Allen) of Burlington, NC; Tommy Daughtry (Leesa) of Roanoke Rapids, NC; Swain Kern (Rhonda) of Burlington, NC; Greg Daughtry of Gastonia, NC; and John Kern (Jenny) of Lookout Mountain, GA.; grandchildren Fletcher Kern, Sala Ray Pradhan, Seth Ray, Abigail Ray Davidson, Laura Daughtry Duncan, Caroline Daughtry, Johanna Kern, Josiah Kern, Junanne Kern, and Jenae Kern; five great-grandchildren; and brothers Philip E. Kern of Rincon, GA; and Kenneth L. Kern of Palm Harbour, FL; and his faithful and loving dog, Sandi.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the caring staff in the ICU at Halifax Regional Medical Center, and Donna Morris for her help & assistance to the family.
Wrenn, Clark and Hagan Funeral and Cremation Services is handling the arrangements. There will be a memorial service on Wednesday, June 29, 2016, at 5:00 pm at the chapel at Wrenn, Clark and Hagan, with Pastor Randy Martin officiating. The receiving will follow. The family will receive friends and family at other times at the home of Tommy and Leesa Daughtry, 436 Williams Street.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriner’s Hospital 950 W. Faris Rd. Greenville, SC 29605.
