Jerald W. "Jerry" Pilcher, 68, died August 10, 2014 at his home in Panama City, Florida.
A memorial service is scheduled for 3 pm Thursday, August 14 at Wilson Funeral Home in Panama City. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2 – 3 p.m. prior to the service.
He was born in Birmingham, Alabama and graduated from Campbell High School in Smyrna, Georgia. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Valdosta State College and his Masters in Education from Florida State University, where he also was a doctoral candidate. He was a member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and Pass Christian Yacht Club where he served as Commodore.
Jerry began his teaching career at Valdosta High School where he became head of the Art Department. After spending many interim years in sales, he returned to his love of teaching, finishing his career at South Walton High School, Gulf Coast Community College and Berry College.
Mr. Pilcher is survived by his brother, William C. Pilcher; his daughter, Virginia Pilcher Kelley, her husband Scott, their children Ben and Kate; and a boatload of nieces and nephews.
Jerry loved St. Andrews Bay, painting, glass blowing, teaching art, sailing, scuba, snorkeling, rescue cats, playing drums, Varsity chili steaks, FSU football, hand sanitizer, Honda scooters, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Jimmy Buffet, Crocs, Dollar Tree, Publix, sunvisors and Fox News. Most of all he loved his family and the "boys in the hood" who were his second family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Humane Society of Bay County, www.adoptme.org or P.O. Box 883, Panama City, FL 32402.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
February 24, 2015
I was in the drum section with Jerry at Campbell High School. He was the nicest person with such a gentle soul.He never minded a girl being in the drum section. He always made me feel like I belonged there. You will be greatly missed, Jerry.
August 16, 2014
Blake Pearce
Jerry Pilcher was a true inspiration for me. He was my first true teacher / mentor, and showed what could be built from pure ambition by a dedicated teacher. I had never taken an art class in school in my life. He allowed me to take a class I was not in sequence for my freshman year, first quarter, of high school. Through his encouragement and example he literally set a direction for my life.
A Blake Pearce
Dean, College of the Arts
Valdosta State University
August 15, 2014
Carolyn (Fountain) Stephens
I knew Jerry while we were students at Fitzhugh Lee Elementary and Campbell High School as well as when we were members of Fellowship Baptist Church. Jerry was very likeable and just a really nice person. To Billy, Ginna and all of your family, my thoughts and prayers go out to each of you during this difficult time and may God bless and comfort you and give you peace as you grieve the loss of your loved one who touched the lives of so many people.
August 14, 2014
J, you were a great person. I am truly a better human for having known you. We were together for 17 years and married for over 16. Miss you, J, very much...
August 14, 2014
Sharon Flanders-Slaughhter
You will be dearly missed my friend. We all have suffered a great loss. Love you forever
August 13, 2014
Mr. Pilcher was such a great guy. He was always there to help me with all my sailboats over the years. He will be greatly missed. Jeannine Wiggin
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Funeral services provided by:
Wilson Funeral Home - Panama City214 Airport Road, Panama City, FL 32405
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