William Alvin Kernan

William Alvin Kernan, 94, of Bedford, Virginia, passed away on Thursday, May 25, 2023. He was born December 27, 1928 in Bridgeton, New Jersey to Ethelyn Dolson Kiernan Wright and George O. Kiernan Sr.  He was a very proud member of the U.S. Navy, and served with pride on the destroyer USS English for four years from 1953-1957 in fire control. He was a member of the American Legion Post 54 of Bedford, Virginia, and Brearley Lodge No. 2, F&AM in Bridgeton, New Jersey since 1964. He was also an active member of Main Street United Methodist Church in Bedford, Virginia. After returning from service, Bill moved to Elmer, New Jersey to be closer to family. It was there he met his wife, Joan Heritage, and the two have been married for 63 years. They had two daughters, Cathleen Sue and Cheryl Lynn. He was Plant Superintendent at Price Bros. printing company in Bridgeton, New Jersey. When Price Bros. liquidated, Bill was hired by Piedmont Label in Bedford, Virginia, where he brought many contacts and years of experience. Bill was definitely a people person, and was well respected and loved by all he knew. He never met a stranger, and was an active member of numerous organizations throughout his life. He was a long-time member of a Barbershop Chorus, and sang in concerts and competitions with them. This was a fun part of his life. He also enjoyed watching sports, especially basketball and baseball. He played basketball during his youth, and was a member of the local City League. He also coached little league baseball in Elmer, and loved to recall how they played. Bill also volunteered at the National D-Day Memorial giving tours, and helped at Agency on Aging delivering meals to those who needed them. He was very proud of all of these adventures. Bill was predeceased by his parents, his sister Dolores Hemsley, and one daughter, Cathleen Sue Kernan. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Helen Joan Heritage Kernan; one daughter, Cheryl L. Fowler and husband Bradley A. Fowler of Bedford; three granddaughters, Hannah C. Hester and her husband, Jeremiah of Bedford, Emilie N. Fowler and fiancé, Timothy Andrews of Harrisonburg, and Rachel E. Fowler of Bedford; one brother, George O. Kernan Jr. of Vineland, NJ; one sister, Beverly Norbeth of New Jersey; and many nieces and nephews.  A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Main Street United Methodist Church, with Rev. Dawn Compton and Rev. Jack Davis officiating. Military honors will be presented by American Legion Board-Canady Post 54. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m.  Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-736.