May 25, 2023, 79, Goldsboro –

Kenneth Ray Jernigan, 79, was welcomed into his Heavenly home on Thursday, May 25, 2023, surrounded by his family. Born in Wayne County on November 18, 1943, he was the son of the late Raymond Kennon Jernigan and Elma Westbrook Jernigan.

Kenneth served his country in the United States Army. While enlisted, he proudly fought in the Vietnam War. Kenneth took great pride in being a veteran. After his time in the Army, Kenneth returned to Goldsboro where he served as a fireman for the Goldsboro Fire Department for 32 years where he retired as a lieutenant. Kenneth lived a life of service to his fellow man. He lived his life devoted to his friends and family. Wherever Kenneth went, he never met a stranger.

In his free time, Kenneth could be found with a rod and reel in hand, waiting for the fish to bite. He loved fishing at Lake Gaston, or wherever he could find some water to throw a line in. Growing up, Kenneth loved playing baseball. Even in his adult years, he was still able to play baseball and softball as long as he was able.

Family was paramount in Kenneth’s life. Nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his grandchildren. As a loving Papa, he taught his grandchildren how to ride a bike, and how to fish. Kenneth will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and papa.

A graveside service to honor Kenneth’s life will be held on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at 12:00 P.M. at the Eastern Carolina State Veteran’s Cemetery. Military honors and Fireman honors will be held at the cemetery.

Kenneth is survived by his loving wife, Karen Warren Jernigan; daughters, Heather Jernigan Wuertzer and husband, Timothy, and Brooke Jernigan Henderson and husband, Johnnie; son, Bill Windsor Barrow, Jr. and wife, Patti; grandchildren, Cody Wuertzer, Evan Henderson, Abbie Henderson, Allie Henderson, Corey Barrow, Brittany Barrow, and Amanda Hof; 7 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Ted Jernigan, Phyllis Futrell, Judy Carol Jernigan, and Billie Ingram.

In addition to his parents, Kenneth is preceded in death by his siblings, John Jernigan, Dave Jernigan, and Annie Jewel McCullen.

Flowers are welcomed, or memorials may be sent to The First Church 1100 The First Church Rd, Goldsboro, NC 27534 in honor of Kenneth.

Services have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.seymourfuneralhome.com.