Howard Vernert Kelly, 83, of Surf City passed from his earthly life on Tuesday, November 19, 2013 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

He was born October 11, 1930 in Bladen County, the son of the late Howard Rosso and Mary Ruth Russ Kelly. Vernert was preceded in death by his brother, Eugene Kelly.

Surviving are his sons, Brett Barnes (Susan) of Wilmington and Jeff Barnes (Tonya) of Evans, GA; daughter, Robin Barnes (Garry) of Asheville; nine grandchildren; two great grandchildren; brother, Wayne Kelly of Wendell; sisters, Joan K. Porter of Wilmington and Hazel K. Eakins (Jimmy) of Atkinson; sister-in-law, Ardena Kelly of Kelly; and many caring extended family and friends.

Vernert served his country honorably as a Hospital Medical Corpsman for 21 years in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam Era, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. He was a faithful member of Faith Harbor United Methodist Church where he served as head usher and in many other capacities. Vernert was a man of quiet faith, loyalty, and kindness who dearly loved his family and his church family. He possessed a keen intellect, sharp wit, and engaging personality. Amongst the legacies Vernert leaves are the importance of God, Family and Country.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at Faith Harbor United Methodist Church with The Rev. Duke Lackey officiating. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery with grandson, Alan Barnes officiating.

The family will receive friends Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at the church until hour of the service.

Memorial gifts may be given to Faith Harbor United Methodist Church, 14201 NC Hwy 50/210, Surf City, NC 28445 or to Garden of Memories, C/O Eddie Ridenhour, 312 Natmore Rd., Kelly, NC 28448.

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Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at Faith Harbor United Methodist Church with The Rev. Duke Lackey officiating. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery with grandson, Alan Barnes officiating.

The family will receive friends Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at the church until hour of the service.