Obituary

Mr. Bert Ward Kerr, age 63, of Newnan, Georgia, passed away on Monday, August 10, 2009.

He was born in Auburn, California, and raised on his family ranch in Placer County. He earned his engineering degree when he returned from serving four years in the United States Navy. He is a decorated Vietnam War combat veteran. When his children were young, he coached youth league football, baseball and fast-pitch softball. He felt it was important for the youth he was entrusted with to develop good sportsmanship along with the desire to excel and win. Mr. Kerr was an avid golfer, hunter and sportsman. He was a 3rd Degree Mason with the Blue Lodge # 492, Lake City, TN, a member of the York Rite, Scottish Rite, Knoxville, TN, Shriners, Kerbela Temple, Knoxville, TN.

During his lifetime, Mr. Kerr guided and mentored employees as a plant manager and director of operations for MacGregor Golf, Acuity Brands Lighting and other well-known national companies. He was compassionate and humble and an advocate for change in the workplace. It has been said many times by friends and co-workers that they are better people for having known Bert. He loved to spend time with his grandchildren, and to play golf, hunt and travel with his wife and family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Shahan Kerr (former Rebecca Shahan of Lake City, Tennessee); daughter, Mary Ellen Kerr of Sacramento, California; son and daughter-in-law, Bert Ward Kerr II and Kimberlee Paige Kerr of Senoia; grandchildren, Bert Ward Kerr III and Megan Elaine Kerr; brother and sister-in-law, David and Linda Kerr of Auburn, California; and a host of extended family and friends.

Funeral services for Mr. Bert Kerr will be conducted Thursday, August 13 at 8 p.m. in the chapel of Conner-Westbury Funeral Home, Griffin, Georgia. Pastor Bill Cook, of the 1st Church of Christ in Covington, Indiana, will officiate. Friends may visit the family from 6 p.m. until the hour of service at the funeral home. A committal service will be held on Saturday, August 15 at 11 a.m. at Leach Cemetery in Lake City, Tennessee. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Vista Care Hospice, 1585 Hwy 34 East, Newnan, GA 30265 in memory of Mr. Kerr.