Merle Jerome Kessler

Merle Jerome (Jerry) Kessler, 77, peacefully passed away on August 23, 2017, at his home in Franklin, NC after an extended illness.  He was from Atlanta, Georgia and Franklin, North Carolina.  He was born on May 19, 1940, in Atlanta.  He graduated from Grady High School.  After graduation he received his Economics Degree from The Wharton School of Economics at the University of Pennsylvania and received his LLb in Law from Harvard University. 

He was preceded in death by his mother, Beatrice Macks Kessler, his father, Seymour Kessler, his brother Walt Kessler and his beloved fur baby, Honey, all of Atlanta.  He is survived by his life friend and caregiver, Kenny Franks of Franklin, NC, an aunt, Lenore Kessler, of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and a host of cousins and friends.

He is mourned by many relatives and friends as he has mourned so many of his relatives and friends who have predeceased him.

He was a former member of the Kiwanis Club of Atlanta, a former member of the Board of Directors of the Atlanta Girls Club, and a prior attorney on the Fulton County Commitment Board.  He was a managing partner of Kessler's Department Stores of Atlanta until his retirement.

His interest including traveling the world while learning and studying about world cultures.  He had a passion for the Cultural Arts; especially in Atlanta.  But above all, the happiest times for him was when a lovable fur baby would come to him to be petted and loved.

He was a member of the AA Synagogue in Atlanta and Mountain Synagogue in Franklin. 

Graveside services will be held on Friday, August 25, at 2 PM in Woodlawn Cemetery in Franklin, NC with Rabbi Zvi Altman officiating.

Tributes can be made to the charity of your choice.

Bryant‑Grant Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Kessler family. Online condolences may be made at bryantgrantfuneralhome.com.

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