Jerry Anderson Church

1937 - 2015

CHURCH, Jerry Anderson Jerry Anderson Church, 78, of Amelia Island, FL and Atlanta, GA, passed away on June 17, 2015. He was born in Valdese, NC on February 24, 1937 to John G. Church and Clara Pritchard Church. After his childhood in Valdese, Jerry attended North Carolina State University, graduating with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. He worked at Douglas Aircraft Company for two years and then entered the US Navy's aviation program. Following his Navy service, Jerry flew for Delta Airlines for 30 years until he retired as a Captain in 1997. Jerry loved his flying career and often regaled his family and friends with fascinating Navy and Delta anecdotes. For many years, when not flying, Jerry was sailing. He, his children and friends sailed widely throughout Biscayne Bay and the Caribbean and up the Intra-coastal Waterway to Chesapeake Bay and New York. Sailing his boat into the 1976 Bicentennial Celebration in New York Harbor was one of his best-loved trips. Upon retirement, Jerry focused on his two favorite activities: travel and learning. In 18 years, he and his girlfriend, then wife, Linda, explored six of the seven continents. They hiked, drove, flew, biked, rode trains and cruised to enjoy the world's beauty, history and diversity. When not traveling, Jerry was learning. Whether it was science, history, economics or genealogy, he was constantly researching on-line, reading a book or watching an educational DVD. Jerry will be remembered most for his kindness, welcoming smile and loving heart. He was devoted to his family, spending many months caring for his parents in their final years. Always generous with his time, knowledge and affection, Jerry was a loyal and steadfast friend. Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Linda Stone, his son, Scott Church of Lakeport, CA, his daughter, Sarah (Chuck) Israel of Miami, FL, his adored grandsons, Austin and Cameron Gray of Miami, FL, his sister and brother-in-law, Gwen and Sam Eason of Orange Park, FL, his uncle, C. Willard Church of Valdese, NC, and his mother-in-law, Charlotte Smithloff of Atlanta, GA. He also leaves three nieces and several cousins who were very dear to him. A memorial service will be held at a later date.