Paul “PJ” Henry Kerns Jr., 57, of Salisbury, passed away on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at Forsyth Medical Center.

He was born September 1, 1968 in Salisbury, NC to the late Paul Henry Kerns Sr. and Bonnie Jo Evans Kerns. PJ was a 1986 graduate of from East Rowan High School. His true passion in life was spending time with his children and grandsons, whom he loved deeply. Some of his happiest moments were spent by the water fishing and sharing stories that will be cherished forever. His family meant everything to him, and the love he gave will continue to live on in their hearts. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Terri Poole Taylor Kerns; brother, Steven Kerns; mother in law, Patsy Michelle Arey; father in law, Oddis “Bill” T. Poole Jr.; niece Mariah Turner; great-nephew, Xander Tucker; and nephew, Andrew Sifford.

Paul is survived by his children, Drew Kerns (Sadina); Shadonna Kerns; Madison Kerns (Amer); Dominique Kerns (Gustavo); grandchildren, Ameer and Zelmeer Kerns; sister, Sabrina Mabry; sister-in-laws, Rhonda Poole Farley (James) and Joy Poole (Greg); and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and many more cousins, who all loved him very much.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 15th, 2025 from 1:15-3:30pm at The Rec, 633 Dunns Mountain Road, Salisbury, NC 28146.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the children and family.

The family of Paul Kerns Jr. would like to thank everyone for their kind expressions. Your phone calls, thoughts and prayers have all helped greatly during our time of bereavement. May God continue to bless each of you, in our prayer.

Carolina Cremation is assisting the Kerns family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.