Funeral service will be held Friday, June 26, 2026, 12:00 p.m. Mt. Olivet AME Zion Church 2123 McConnell Road, Greensboro, NC, 27401. Visitation 11:00 a.m.

Scott Julius “Scottie” Kerns, Jr., aged 76, was called to eternal rest at 7:40 a.m. on Sunday, June 14, 2026. He passed away peacefully at Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Taylorsville, NC.

Scottie was born in Salisbury, NC on May 31, 1950, the son of the late Scott Julius Kerns, Sr. and Marian Rankin Kerns. He attended the public schools of Salisbury, graduating from J.C. Price High School in 1967. Upon graduation, Scottie began his matriculation at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, where he received two Bachelor of Science degrees (Industrial Technology and Manufacturing Technology). It was at A&T that the trajectory of his adult life took shape. He joined his beloved Nu Gamma Alpha Fraternity, Inc., embracing its tenets of unity, integrity, leadership, and service. These core values shaped his subsequent time in the U.S. Army, the U.S. Postal Service, and other significant life chapters.

While living in Greensboro, Scott met and married Patrician Douglas. To this union, one child, Aisha Jamila Douglas was born. The family later relocated to Atlanta, GA, where they currently reside.

Scott’s lifelong mantra was, “God has more work for me to do.” To this end, and in keeping with his vision of lifelong community service, Scott founded Freelance Outreach Programs, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to helping fellow veterans secure their hard-earned benefits. Through this work, he uplifted many individuals and made countless lifelong friends along the way. Scottie was an avid learner who passionately believed in the value of education. In May of 2025, at the age of 75 he earned his PhD Degree in Religious Education from Antioch Bible College.

Scottie’s life was deeply shaped by those who shared his love. He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his two brothers, Charlie James Davis and Everitt Kerns.

His legacy of love lives on through his surviving family. He is devotedly remembered by his wife of 45 years, Patrician Douglas Kerns; his son, Anthony Vaughters (LaTonya); three daughters, Keisha Kerns, Felicia Mayo, and Aisha Douglas; five grandchildren, Anthony Shaquel Vaughters, Malisha Vaughters, William Brooks, Brandon Mayo, and the youngest of the group, his beloved Emmie Alissa Douglas; his brother, Ricardo Kerns; two sisters, Sheryl Kerns and Curley Kerns; and a host of extended family, Nu Gamma Alpha brothers, dear friends and his loyal companion, Sonic.

Dr. Scott Julius Kerns, Jr. was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, community servant, Nu Gamma Alpha Gent, and U.S. Army veteran. While our hearts are heavy with his earthly absence, we find comfort knowing he has passed from this life into eternal life, healed and whole. We are deeply grateful to God for the privilege of sharing his beautiful life and witnessing his servant's heart. He has run his race, he has kept the faith, and he has entered into his eternal reward.