Jesse E. GERRINGER

HAMPTON - Jesse Earl Gerringer, age 83, died Tuesday, June 22, 2010, at his home where he longed to be after an extended hospitalization.
A native of Wakefield, Va., he had been a resident of Hampton since his early teens. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII. Upon returning, he attended ODU and Elon College and was a graduate of NACA Apprentice School. He was employed at NASA until his retirement, after which he served as a magistrate for the City of Hampton for the next 11 years. After his second retirement, he enjoyed the camaraderie and fellowship of the Hampton Elks Lodge, where he spent many pleasurable days playing gin with his fellow retirees.
He was a gregarious and friendly man, who never met a stranger and always brought his particular brand of humor to any conversation. When he lived in the Powhatan Park area, he was active in the Briar Queen swimming pool organization and was affectionately known as 'Hot Dog' by all the neighborhood children and became the unofficial voice of the 'Tarpons.' He was also greatly interested in the City of Hampton and to that end, he penned many letters to the Editor of the Daily Press, voicing his concerns with city issues.
During the last 15 years, Earl faced many serious medical concerns. He was blessed to have many wonderful physicians caring for him, in particular, Dr. Brian McCormick and his nurse, Mary Gorman.
He was preceded in rest by his parents, the Rev. Carr E. Gerringer and Lacey Elkins; brothers, Raymond and wife, Pauline, Hugh, and Harper Gerringer.
Surviving members of his family include his wife, Nell Scoggin Gerringer; daughter, Gaye Gerringer McClung, and granddaughter, Julia Kathleen McClung, both of Charlotte, N.C.; grandson, Harper David McClung of Salem, Va.; brother, Carr and wife, Marie; sisters-in-law, Nita Gerringer and Ruth Gerringer; brothers-in-law, Lacy Scoggin, Lonnie Scoggin and wife, Dena, of Hampton, the Rev. Ernest Scoggin and wife, Francis of Martinsville, Va., Frank Culbreth and wife, Jenny of Dothan, Ala., and Jim and Sallie Shires of Forest, Va.; as well as a host of nieces and nephews. His grandchildren were the joy of his life, and he was enormously proud of them both. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 24, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home. A celebration of Earl's life will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, June 25, at Westhampton Baptist Church, 631 Aberdeen Road, Hampton, officiated by Dr. Danny Owens. There will be a private interment following the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 11835 Canon Blvd., Suite 102-A, Newport News, VA 23606 or the American Lung Association, 5349 E. Princess Anne Road, Norfolk, VA 23502.
Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.
Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn – Wood Funeral Home, 2552 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23666. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.