Reverend Marvin Franklin Kerby Jr.

Reverend Marvin Franklin Kerby, Jr., 86, of West Point, Virginia, went to his heavenly Father on Tuesday, July 11, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin Franklin Kerby, Sr. and Mary Catherine Baber, and sisters Ethel Flippo and Mary Campbell. Marvin is survived by his wife and companion of 66 and-a-half-years, Nancy Farrar Kerby, his four children, Joyce Sweet, Wayne Kerby (Melissa), Rick Kerby (Judy), Lori Kerby; his eight grandchildren, Jennifer Wolfe (John), Michael Sweet (Kelly), Timothy Sweet (Michelle), Andrew Bunch (Deidre), Ian Bunch (Ashley), Bailey Bunch, Seaton Kerby, Natalie Kerby; and his nine great-grandchildren, Elaynah, Adelyn, Karoline, Emily, Ella, Ava, Charlotte, Alyssa, and Cyrus. Marvin was graduated from Rockfish Valley High School in Nelson County, VA, and the University of Richmond, Richmond, VA. He received God’s call for full-time ministry at the age of 15, and responded by earning his Master of Divinity Degree from Southeastern Baptist Seminary, Wake Forest, N.C., and additional training from the school of Pastoral Care, Winston-Salem, N.C., and School of Pastoral Care, M.C.V., Richmond, VA. Reverend Kerby was ordained by Hebron Baptist Church, Afton, VA, October 1956. He first held a field of five churches - Clifford, Fairmont, Massie Memorial, Mineral Springs, and St. Stephens - before serving full-time for 10 years at Vesuvius Baptist Church, Vesuvius, VA, followed by 31 years at First Baptist Church in West Point, VA. He retired in 2000 and was honored to be named the First Pastor Emeritus of First Baptist Church. In retirement, Mr. Kerby served as interim pastor at Emmaus Baptist Church, New Kent, VA, and Poroporone Baptist Church in King and Queen County. He also served full-time at Glebe Landing Baptist Church, Laneview, VA. Mr. Kerby was very active in his community, having served on the West Point Town Council for 18 years and West Point School Board for 16 years. He had been a member of the West Point Kiwanis since 1970, and served seven times as President of the West Point Ministerial Association. Among his numerous awards and recognitions, Mr. Kerby received Joint Resolution No. 5175 from the Commonwealth of Virginia, House of Delegates, September 8, 2006, for his dedication to church and community affairs, and a Resolution from the West Point Town Council as a faithful supporter of civic and community affairs. Reverend Kerby conducted thousands of revivals, homecomings, funerals, and nearly 750 marriages. He was a cancer survivor, active in the cancer support community. He was a recognized community minister and never lost sight of his mission to serve the Lord by loving and serving people. Marvin was well-loved and will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and community. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Marvin & Nancy Kerby Scholarship Fund, c/o First Baptist Church, P.O. Box N, West Point, VA 23181. A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, July 16th at the Robinson-Olsson Auditorium, 1040 Thompson Avenue, West Point, VA 23181. Interment will be private. The family will receive friends 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, at the auditorium. The funeral service will be live streamed, Sunday, beginning at 1:45 p.m. at http://thecube.com/e/739267.

Reverend Marvin Franklin Kerby Jr.

November 3, 1930 - July 11, 2017