By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
7 Comments
  • Visitation

    Tuesday, March 8, 2022

    11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

    Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL

  • Service

    Tuesday, March 8, 2022

    12:00 PM

    Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville IL

    Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be limited seating of 20-25 people. However, all are welcome to attend the graveside service and military honors at the cemetery at 1:30 PM.

  • Full Obituary

    Rev. Kerry L. Courtney, 86, of Collinsville, IL, passed away Thursday, March 3, 2022, peacefully in his home surrounded by his family.

    Kerry was born September 17, 1935, to George and Beatrice (nee Johnson) Courtney, in Moultrie, GA.

    Kerry was a Veteran of the United States Air Force, retiring as a Master Sergeant after 23 years. During his Air Force career, he served in Vietnam and was a crew chief and trainer on KC 135 aircraft re-fuelers. After leaving his military career he served as a Pastor for the Church of God for 25 years, preaching in Ewa Beach, Hawaii, and in Taylorville, Alvin, and Collinsville, Illinois. He also trained new Ministers to become Pastors through the Church of God Ministerial Internship Program.

    Kerry was a loving husband and a caring father and grandfather. He loved his family, friends, and community. Kerry was known for his sense of humor and his selfless character and generosity, whether it be for his country, for his family, or those around him.

    He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Beatrice Courtney; beloved wife, Carol Courtney; daughter, Linda Courtney; brother, John “Chip” Courtney; and sisters, Hazel Squires, Dorothy Giles, and Martha Harrell.

    Kerry is survived by children, Kimberly (John) Peterson, Kelli (Tim) Wright, Charles Courtney, Kathy (Ron) Brown; five loving grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

    Memorials can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

    The funeral service will be at 12:00 PM due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be limited seating of 20-25 people. However, all are welcome to attend the graveside service and military honors at the cemetery at 1:30 PM.

    Visitation: Tuesday, March 8, 2022, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, at Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL.

    Funeral Service: Tuesday, March 8, 2022, 12:00 PM, at Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL.

    Graveside Service: Tuesday, March 8, 2022, 1:30 PM, Lakeview Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.

    Interment: Lakeview Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.

    Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL.

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

7 Condolences
 
  1. Jean Peterson / March 4, 2022 at 3:08 pm

    I only had the pleasure of meeting Brother Courtney one time and I will always treasure that small amount of time I got to spend with him. He was such a sweet and loving person. My sister-in-law was very lucky to have the wonderful parents she had. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest in peace Brother Courtney.

  2. Joe and Nancy Moran / March 5, 2022 at 8:38 am

    We will think of you often Uncle Buddy and see you again in Heaven. Thoughts and prayers are with the family. Uncle Buddy impressed us all with his Christian walk and Bible knowledge. He will be missed.

  3. John Peterson / March 6, 2022 at 11:09 am

    Rev Courtney was my Father in Law, My Best Friend, and like a Dad to me. He was also my mentor when I was in the ministry and throughout our 40+ years together. I will always treasure the countless hours we spent talking about the Word of God. He knew the Holy Scriptures better than anyone I ever met and could break down any subject we discussed throughout the entire Bible from Genesis through Revelation. He always impressed upon me that I should be able to trace any Biblical belief I hold throughout the Bible and not just use a verse here and there on views that determine where I will spend eternity. He was unwavering in his Faith and Steadfast in his confidence in God’s unchanging Word, Love, Sovereignty and Faithfulness to us. He was the most Generous, Firm yet Gentle, and Kindness person I have known. Brother Courtney had a presence about him that caused people meeting him for the first time to sense he was a Minister before finding out he actually was. Children and even our pets were drawn to him and wanted to be around him. This quality always reminded me of what it must have been like when children would gather around Jesus when he entered a town. I love you Brother Courtney and soon I will be with you, Sis Courtney and our family and friends in Heaven. You will never be forgotten and your life will live on though the Godly heritage you left behind. You Fought a Good Fight. You Kept the Faith and on March 03 2022 you entered Heaven and now you can enjoy the glories of Heaven you always spoke about for all eternity.

  4. Wendy Goss / March 6, 2022 at 3:20 pm

    I’m so sorry for the loss of Uncle Buddy. Thinking of you all and praying for peace and comfort.

  5. Jason L McGrew / March 7, 2022 at 1:23 pm

    Brother Courtney was my childhood pastor. I have many fond memories of him ministering to us. He greeted everyone with a handshake and a warm smile. He will be missed. This man impacted my life and I will be forever grateful for him.

  6. Kathy Brown / March 8, 2022 at 12:03 am

    Dearest Dad- Thank you for being my dad and teaching me the way I should behave like a young lady, being modest, doing chores, being polite, respecting others and the greatest gift is about Jesus. You can never go wrong having Jesus in the center of your life. You gave us the gift of laughter. I remember in church while you preached that you told the congregation if anyone ever fell down in front of me that I would laugh while helping them up. I remember when I was younger living in Alvin, Illinois while you Pastored their I was having a hard time and you prayed for me because I was dealing with some fears. You were an awesome Dad, grandpa to my kids, a jokester but I loved calling you up when I had a question about the Bible and the scriptures and you would quote scriptures to me, you knew how to bring the scriptures to life by the details you told. I have many stories. I will truly miss you here on earth but I will see you in heaven when Jesus calls me home. With love your precious daughter Kathy
    I love and miss you Dad.
    Exodus 15:2 “The LORD is my strength and my defense ; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will
    praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
    Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go

  7. DeNa, Paul, Andrew & Matthew McKenna / March 8, 2022 at 7:16 pm

    Although I didn’t know him well, I do have memories of Uncle Buddy visiting Granny Hazel in Moultrie when I was a child and as an adult when he visited Warner Robins. I also feel like I knew him from the stories my mother Nancy Squires Moran and my Granny Hazel would share. Although I know it’s sad for his family and friends that will miss him dearly, I’m sure there was a great celebration when he arrived in Heaven. My family offers our condolences and prayers to the family during this time.

Leave a Condolence or Memory: