William Patrick Kerns

August 7, 2022

Caring Brother, Faithful Husband, Loving Father, Adoring Grandfather William Patrick Kerns was born July 9, 1945 to Lee Monroe Kerns and June Cassidy Kerns in Charlotte, North Carolina. He died peacefully on August 7, 2022 at home with his family.

William was raised in Long Creek in rural North Mecklenburg County, where he had many adventures with four older brothers. After paying his own way through UNCC, he received a full scholarship for a Masters in Mathematics at North Carolina State. While at NC State, he met and married Eloise Litaker from nearby Duke University, after an introduction from Jack and Ware Washam.

During the Vietnam War, he served in the Army at Aberdeen Proving Ground, a scientific research facility in Maryland, and volunteered as a member of the Honor Guard. After his service, William returned to Charlotte and taught mathematics and computer science at Central Piedmont Community College. While there, he reconnected with his best friend, Al Monroe. He met another good friend, Pat Friel, through a local men’s service organization called Sertoma.

In the 1980s, William owned three ComputerLand stores across the Carolinas, where he sold the first computer east of the Mississippi River. The Charlotte Observer commemorated the sale with a front-page article that included a photo of his young daughter, Jennifer, using a personal computer. He won the President’s Cup for the Outstanding Franchisee of ComputerLand Corporation in 1986.

William and his family spent many happy summers together at their vacation home in Ocean Isle Beach, where he enjoyed viewing meteor showers with his telescope. He appreciated classical music and science fiction, and had a passion for history and astronomy. He always had a love for gardening, especially growing tomatoes from seed and sharing the abundance with friends and neighbors.

William is survived by his loving family: his devoted wife of 53 years, Eloise, his two daughters, Jennifer Kerns and Katherine Kerns Hofer, his son-in-law Christian Hofer, his grandchildren, Hadley and John Hofer, his brothers Forrest, Roger (Melodye), Dan (Sandra), and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Richard (Ruth).

A celebration of his life will be held in the Francis Chapel of Myers Park United Methodist Church on Monday, August 15th, 2022 at 1:00 pm. In consideration of the rising Covid rates, the family respectfully requests that visitors wear masks. Donations may be made in his memory to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation. Lastly, the family would like to thank Mary Ricci and Gloria Henry for their considerable help over the last few months.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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