Thomas (Tom) Kersey, age 71 of Brooklet, Georgia, passed away February 5, 2025 at East Georgia Regional Medical Center, from effects of long-term COVID. He is preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Lucille Deal Kersey of Sylvania; two brothers, Emory Kersey of Greensboro, North Carolina and Claude Kersey of Sylvania; and sister Sandra Brown of Statesboro.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Robin Kersey of Brooklet, and daughter Erin Watkins, son-in-law Brad, and beloved grandchildren Amelia and Thomas of Powder Springs. Sisters Hilda Dutrow (Jim) of Statesboro, Faye Hunter of Statesboro, and Winnette Moore of Adrian, Georgia and many nieces and nephews and extended family and friends.
Thomas graduated Screven County High School in 1972, and moved to Statesboro in 1979. He worked for Grinnell Corp. for 25 years, and then Briggs & Stratton for 14 years. After retirement, he went into the barrel business, selling various barrels and containers at his home in Brooklet.
He enjoyed visiting with his friends from Screven County and Bulloch County; traveling to Maine to visit friends; listening to live music, especially the Ripleys; and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Thomas was a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Statesboro.
Visitation will be Friday, February 7 from 5-7 p.m. at Joiner Anderson Funeral Home. The funeral is Saturday, February 8 at 11:00 a.m. at Friendship Baptist Church with Rev. Lee Collins and Rev. Tom Osborne officiating.
Interment will be in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Mitchell Moore, David Lewis, Andy Brown, Rickey Cartee, Hank McCarthy, and Charlie Hutto.
Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Joy Sunday school class.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Friendship Baptist Church Building Fund, 4025 Friendship Church Rd., Statesboro, GA 30458, would be appreciated.
Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com
Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory of Statesboro is in charge of the arrangements.
