Mr. Kearns worked for Crown Hosiery Mills, a family-owned business in High Point, N.C., and served as its Chairman and Treasurer until his death in 1979. He graduated from Staunton Military Academy in 1923 and received his A.B. degree from Duke University in 1927. He served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1956, as a High Point City Council member from 1938 to 1948 and as Mayor from 1951 to 1953. His lifelong interest in education and service on many business, civic and charitable institution boards made him a valuable Trustee of The Duke Endowment, serving from 1962 until his death in 1979.