Brian Joseph McKerley was born on October 2, 1937, to Joseph Reese McKerley and Martha LaBar McKerley in Chattanooga, Tennessee. As a child Brian loved playing outside. His playground was the eastern slopes of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee from Point Park to Rock City with time spent hiking the trails built by Franklin Delano Roosevelt. He told the story many times of earning 35 cents a week on his paper route through St. Elmo, Chattanooga.  He then used that money to ride the bus to downtown Chattanooga to watch a double feature movie and having enough money left over to buy 3 Krystal hamburgers.

Brian graduated from the University of Chattanooga with a degree in philosophy, religion and sociology in 1959. He graduated from Vanderbilt Divinity School in 1961. His intention was to enter a student ministry, but he decided to enter the pastoral ministry of the United Methodist Church at Culleoka, Tennessee. From there he served at Annie Morrison Smith Memorial Methodist Church at Holts Corner. His next job was with Metro Social Services.

Brian pursued 2 terms at the School of Social Work through the University of Tennessee. He worked a number of part time jobs to help support his family, including working at the Bethlehem Community Center and the Martha O’Brian Community Center.

Brian found his vocational home working with the Vocational Rehabilitation Services for the state of Tennessee for 41 years. He retired in 2008.

Brian married Annette "Nan" Elizabeth Crawford in 1997.

Brian said recently when reflecting on his life, “I have been most blessed by our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Brian is survived by his wife Nan; brother William McKerley (Barbara); sons Marc (Farah), Michael (Susan), and Keith (Colleen); 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Harpeth Hills. Services will be held at a later date.