John Earl Kershaw, Sr., affectionately known as "Boss Hog", was born on August 2, 1943, to the late Rosetta Littlejohn Kershaw and the late William Calvin Kershaw, in Spartanburg, SC. He was educated in Spartanburg County schools and a 1961 graduate of Carver High School.

John was a master brick mason and was employed with TNN Construction. He enjoyed fishing in his spare time. John was a life member of Majority Baptist Church and served on the usher board for over 60 years.

He was preceded in death, along with his parents, by children, John Kershaw, Jr.  and Renee Kershaw and brother, James Kershaw.

His life and legacy will be treasured by his loving wife Janie Ruth Ellis Kershaw of the home; children, Carlton Kershaw of Lyman, SC and Regina Keshaw of the home; brothers, Ezell (Rosa) Kershaw of Spartanburg, SC William Kershaw of Spartanburg, SC, and Wali (Barbara) Mohammad of Rockingham, NC; grandchildren, Jamaya Rice, Christian Kershaw, Kristen Kershaw, Angel Nixon, Ashley Kershaw, John "JR" Rice, and Jared Rice; great-grandchildren, Addyson Kershaw and Keeley Nixon; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

On the morning of Wednesday, July 31, 2024, John transitioned peacefully at the Spartanburg Medical Center. He will be missed by his family and friends.