Wilbur Gene Kerlin

Wilbur Gene Kerlin, age 94 and a resident of Prattville, AL, died in peace on Sunday, 14 December 2025. He was a loving father, a friend to many, and one who loved his fellow men. Gene Kerlin (June 12, 1931 – December 14, 2025) was preceded in death by his wife, Nita Glover "Muffin" Kerlin. They enjoyed 51 years of marriage.

He was also preceded in death by his oldest son, Williamson Glover Kerlin. He was also preceded in death by five brothers and one sister. Gene is survived by Patricia "Pat" Johnson Kerlin (widow of Glover Kerlin) of Spruce Pine, NC, and three sons: Harvey James "Jim" Kerlin II (Deborah) of Brundidge, AL, Wilbur Gene "Chip" Kerlin Jr. of Mableton, GA, and Thomas Norwood Kerlin (Stephanie) of Arlington, TN. Gene also has many grandchildren, including Allen Glover Kerlin (Kierin), Debra Joy "DJ" Skrobot (Evan), David Morgan Kerlin, William Taylor Kerlin (Christen), Stewart Logan Kerlin (Ashley), James Benton "Ben" Kerlin (Courtney), Rebekah Kerlin Alexander, Kaitlyn Maria Kerlin, Meredith Lee Kerlin, Nathaniel Eason "Nathan" Kerlin, and ten great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his younger brother Thomas Reginald Kerlin (Margaret Ann) of Tucker, GA, sisters-in-law Mirriam Sullivan Kerlin of Mountain Brook, AL, and Allie Glover Livingston of The Villages, FL; and long time friend and caregiver, Zelda Golson Stokes of Prattville, AL.

Gene was born in the family home in Walden GA. The family moved to Prattville in 1938. His hobbies included photography, genealogy, coin collecting, and Prattville's history. His baptism was in the Methodist Church, and his confirmation was in the Episcopal Church. He married Nita Glover “Muffin” in 1954 and they raised four sons. He earned a B.A. Journalism at The University of Alabama (1953) and M. Ed. Vocational Counseling at Auburn University (1972). He served in ROTC and the Alabama National Guard. He was well-traveled and enjoyed operas and classical music. Gene served others in everything he did. He was a champion for the disabled. He worked for the State of Alabama as a state supervisor and vocational counselor. He served on Alabama Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities. He served on the President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities. The work that committee did resulted in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. He was a charter member of the Prattville Civitans. His honors include a Life Membership (2007) and 70 years of service (2025). He was active in service organizations. He supported genealogy associations. He volunteered (since 1996) at the The Prattaugan Museum. He worked on several boards of directors. He recited his favorite poem from memory at age 94. Abou Ben Adhem is that poem. It says “I pray thee, then, write me as one who loves his fellow men.” He enjoyed a long and blessed life with a humble beginning and noble end. When angels show “the names whom love of God had blest,” Gene Kerlin’s name will be among the best.

A memorial service will be later in the spring. Instead of flowers, send donations to his favorite organizations: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (stmarksal.org), The Prattaugan Museum (autaugahistory.org), and the Prattville Civitan Club (Facebook / civitan.org).