The Scot joined the club in 1966, going on to make 368 league appearances, cementing himself as a Wearside hero for his tough tackling and never-say-die attitude.
Kerr twice broke his leg at the start of his Sunderland career, making his achievements in the North East all the more impressive.
It was in the FA Cup where Kerr made his greatest contribution to the club and city, captaining Bob Stokoe’s second-tier Black Cats to the trophy in 1973 against First Divison behemoths Leeds United.
Kerr left Sunderland in March 1979 to link up with former manager Stokoe at Blackpool, before ending his career back in the North East at Hartlepool.
And to celebrate his birthday, we’ve delved deep into the Echo’s photo archives to bring you some brilliant snaps of the ‘Little General’…
Simply scroll down and click through the pages to view them for yourself:
1. The Little General at Roker Park
The 'Little General' takes part in a photo opportunity at Roker Park. Photo: Sunderland Echo
2. A snap from 1967
Bobby Kerr opening the new "In Time" department for teenagers at Binns store - it was the first men's boutique within a store to open in Sunderland. Photo: Sunderland Echo
4. FA Cup winnners
Sunderland captain Bobby Kerr with the FA Cup after his team had become the first second-division club to win the competition since 1931. Sunderland beat Leeds United 1-0 at Wembley. Photo: Douglas Miller