Christopher “Chris” Joe Kearley

Christopher “Chris” Joe Kearley, age 48, of Jefferson, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, September 11, 2025. Born in Ashe County on March 25, 1977, Chris was the beloved son of Darrell Joe Kearley and Kathy Blevins Kearley.

A proud graduate of Ashe Central High School, Chris began his career as an apprentice with Leviton Manufacturing, setting the foundation for a lifetime devoted to machining and teaching. Over the years he worked in machining with Leviton, United Chemi-Con, and GE Aviation, all while sharing his expertise as an instructor at the Ashe Campus of Wilkes Community College for more than two decades. Teaching was more than a job—it was a passion. Chris loved guiding students, passing along new skills and techniques, and watching them grow in confidence.

Chris was a man of many gifts and boundless energy: loyal, strong, adventurous, brotherly, resilient, supportive, kind-hearted, trustworthy, selfless, compassionate, fun-loving, genuine, and outgoing. He was always eager to learn something new—whether flying airplanes, trying a fresh challenge, or helping anyone in need. Coaching youth baseball and basketball was another joy, where his patience and encouragement made a lasting impact on countless young athletes.

When faced with cancer, Chris fought with quiet determination and unshakable courage, never complaining and always drawing strength from his wife of 17 years, Debra “Elaine” Poe Kearley, who remained faithfully by his side. Together they found their greatest peace on the open road, riding their motorcycle on day trips to the Biltmore or long adventures with friends, Elaine right behind him.

Chris was preceded in death by his grandmother, Laverne Taylor, and grandfather, Joe Kearley.

He is survived by his loving wife, Debra “Elaine” Poe Kearley; mother, Kathy Kearley of Jefferson; father, Darrell Kearley of Dobson; brother, Brandon Kearley of Morrisville; grandmother, Barbara Kearley of Jefferson; uncles, Michael Kearley of Jefferson, Rick Blevins, Donnie Taylor, and Ronnie Taylor, all of Whitetop, Virginia; aunts, Tina Blevins of Independence, Virginia and Sherry Hicks of Hampton, Tennessee and Tamara Kearley of Jefferson; sister in-law, Heather Poe Cox (Jonathan), two nieces, one nephew and many cherished cousins, students, friends, and former players who will forever remember his generous spirit.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 2:00pm at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel by Rev. Tommy Graybeal and Rev. Brian Walls. Burial will follow in Ashelawn Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends on Friday, September 26, 2025 from 5:00-7:00pm at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, c/o Ashe Shrine Club, PO Box 244, Jefferson, NC 28640, Colorectal Cancer Alliance, 1025 Vermont Ave NW Suite 1066 Washington, DC 20005 or to the Ashe County Humane Society, honoring Chris’s love for animals, lifelong dedication to teaching, mentoring, and helping others.