Jerry W. Jones, veteran, Walmart retiree
Jerry W. Jones, beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed peacefully Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, at Seaford Genesis Center. He was born Dec. 9, 1933, son of the late William Jones and Dorcas (Kersey) Jones.
At the young age of 17, Jerry fibbed about his age to enlist in the U.S. Army, serving four years in Japan as a proud Korean War veteran. He was a man who never shied away from hard work, always staying busy, and committed to providing for his family. Throughout his life, Jerry worked numerous jobs, including as a truck driver and janitor, and he spent many years working for the News Journal and Delaware State News. Later, he retired from Walmart in Milford after a long and fulfilling career.
In 1969, Jerry married the love of his life, Irene Gladys Jones. Together, they lived in several states, including Florida and New Jersey, and finally settled in Delaware, where they raised a family. Jerry was a devoted husband and father, always putting his family first. He loved his grandchildren dearly, and they brought him great joy throughout his life.
In his later years, Jerry enjoyed spending time at the Indian River Senior Center, and found pleasure in watching and betting on horse and greyhound racing. He was an avid fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and holidays were a special time for him to be surrounded by his loved ones. Jerry was known for his delicious Christmas fudge and chili recipes, which became a family tradition. He was a man who was strong, kind, caring, and gentle, with a warm smile that brightened the lives of those around him. Jerry never raised his voice, and his calm demeanor made him a true gentleman in every sense of the word.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his three sons, Robert David Pettit Sr. and Johnny Nolan Pettit, and Rick Jones; and his wife, Irene G. Jones. He is survived by his children, Doug Jones and his wife Rosie, Jerry Lee and his wife Denise, Jeffrey Jones and his wife Zee, Lisa Jones, and Karen Jones. He is also survived by his son, Richard Pettit Sr.; three sisters, Glenda Revard, Nancy "Mickey" Foster and Barbara Jean Fries; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family in-laws, and so many more extended family members who cherished him deeply.
Jerry will be dearly missed, but his legacy of love, hard work, and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Chapel committal services with military honors will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Jan. 6, at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro.
Visit Jerry's Life Memorial webpage and sign his online guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
