Jerry Plemmons

Jerry Plemmons, 86, of Leicester, NC, passed away on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Mission Hospital. He was born on March 11, 1939. He was a native and lifelong resident of Buncombe County. He was the son of the late James M. Plemmons and Lona B. Braswell Plemmons. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Ann Braswell Plemmons, who died tragically in 1962, as well as his late wife of 52 years, Rosalie Rogers Plemmons, who died in 2021. Those left behind to cherish his memory are his daughter Lori Alexander and husband Bruce of Asheville, NC, his son Tommy Plemmons of Kure Beach, NC, two grandchildren Maggie and Jake Alexander both of Asheville, NC, two step granddaughters Julia Alexander of Los Angeles, CA and Annie Alexander of Annapolis MD, several nieces and nephews as well as many friends that he loved very much. Jerry grew up in Asheville and graduated from Lee Edwards High School in 1957. He earned a BS degree in Education at Western Carolina University and went on to earn a Master's Degree in School Administration also at Western Carolina University. Jerry's career was marked by dedicated service to public education. He was a retired employee of the Buncombe County School System with thirty-six years of service. He began his career as the Principal of French Broad Elementary School and then went on to Johnston Elementary School, where he spent 26 years as Principal. His last eight year,s he served as Principal of Oakley Elementary School. During his time there, the school underwent a major construction and renovation project. Jerry was instrumental in advocating for the needs of the school and community, resulting in the school getting a beautiful new gymnasium. Because of his efforts, the Youth League and community promoted that the gym be named in his honor, and so it became the Jerry Plemmons Gymnasium. In addition to his career as a School Principal and raising his family in Leicester, Jerry was also a farmer. He had a deep love and appreciation for working with cattle and remained an active member of the WNC Cattleman's Association, where he received an annual award in 2007. In 2022, he received the honor of being inducted into the NC Mountain State Fair Livestock Hall of Fame. Jerry was always an active member of the community and remained involved for years after retirement. He was the vice president of the Board of Directors for the Leicester Fire Department and served weekly at the Leicester Welcome Table. He was a member of the Buncombe County Retired Teachers Organization and the Retired Administrators Association, and a lifelong active member of the Democratic Party. He was also an active member of Bell United Methodist Church. Throughout Jerry's career and into retirement, he received numerous awards and recognitions. No award was greater than receiving the highest award in North Carolina, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, which was awarded to him by then Governor Hunt in 1998. This award is presented to North Carolinians who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments. Jerry was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend to all who knew him. He loved his family and he loved his friends. He affectionately was given the nickname "Deacon" when he was a young man for being the good samaritan in his circle of friends and that name stuck with him for so many years that some thought it was his actual name. He was compassionate and kind and he never met a stranger. He was also clever and had an incredible sense of humor. To know him was to love him. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, October 17, at Big Sandy Mush Church at 3:00pm. The family will receive friends from 1:30-3:00pm and invite all who wish to come to join afterwards in the Community Center for food and fellowship. Penland Family Funeral Home will be helping the family with arrangements. The family would like to thank the staff and Residents at Bella Vista Retirement Community in Asheville and Heather Glen Assisted Living in Arden for providing excellent care and friendship to him these last few years of his life. We will carry his love with us always and rejoice in knowing that he now resides in Heaven. It has truly been "A Life Well Lived" To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jerry Plemmons, please visit our floral store.