Basil Joseph Kerr, Sr.

Basil J. Kerr, Sr. entered into eternal rest on Thursday morning, March 24, 2016. The relatives and friends of Mr. Basil J. Kerr, Sr. are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 89 Hasell St. The Rite of Committal will be private. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Tuesday evening, March 29, 2016 at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Hwy. Kerr was born Sept. 20, 1924, in Charleston, the son of Basil Rahall Kerr and Anna Theresa Tully Kerr. He attended Bishop England High School, graduating in 1941. He went on to attend Notre Dame University, before serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Kerr worked in retail throughout his career, including manager of several Piggly Wiggly locations and Rodenberg's in Mount Pleasant. After retirement, he operated The Treasure Chest in the Charleston Market alongside his wife. An avid athlete, Kerr was a Golden Gloves Boxer and the captain of the only boxing team at Bishop England. He later served as a JV football coach. During the 1990s, Kerr competed in local, regional and national Senior Olympic games, where he earned numerous medals including three gold medals in swimming at the national Senior Olympics in 1997. A loving and devoted family man, Kerr is preceded in death by his wife Jeanne Ray Kerr. He is survived by six children and their spouses: Basil J. Kerr, Jr., William Kerr, Suzanne Reed (Brian), Brian Kerr (Tammara), David Kerr (Dawn), and Christopher Kerr (Anna). He is also survived by his 12 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Memorial donations may be made to the St. Mary's Catholic Church Pipe Organ Fund.