Jerry Ernest Thigpen

I' met at Jerry about 15, 16 years ago and he became a friends. Jerry was still working for the City of Lakeland and he was also working at home Depot. He was kind to me let me stay at his house one night in North Lakeland when I needed a place to stay. Invited me to his hunting cabin , met me out to dinner a few times etc. and even encouraged me by letting me ride his motorcycle over at his house in North Lakeland when I was thinking about getting one for myself. With our friendship he invited me to help him bury his dad which I was honored and of course did so as a pallbearer. Once during the hurricanes of 2004 I think it was, Jerry volunteered to go out of town and help with hurricane relief and while he was gone he asked me to drive over and look in on his dad before his dad passed away as his dad lived next door to him and I was happy to do that and honored by that as well that he trusted me to do that. I lost track of Jerry the last few years and I just learned of this today October 23rd , 2024 over 2 months after this happened. This is a tough one... I'm sorry Jerry and please rest in peace Sir you were one of the good ones. Your friend, Mike Hill , Lakeland FL.

Jerry was honestly was one of the best guys I've ever known. He was a true friend to everyone and would give the shirt off his back to help someone. I can say without a doubt I'm a better person because he chose to believe in me. Rest easy my friend.

I was a volunteer fireman in Auburndale. I played on a mens softball with Jerry. Jerry you will be missed. Go rest high on that mountain.

Jerry was my cousin on my Dad´s side. I have fond memories of Jerry when we were kids. My Dad really loved him. (Linda Lippy)

I worked with Jerry along time ago at the Home Depot in Lakeland. He was a great guy. He was always friendly and respectful, a true gentleman. My condolences to his family he will surely be missed. Rest in peace my friend.

Rest in peace Jerry. You left a lot of memories, from Imperial Ambulance to Polk County EMS.

WE worked together at several stations and quite some time at Ft Mead.
We ate good several wild game meals.
God speed.

Worked with Jerry in lakeland then station 2 in Ft Meade, he always said "Big Man you gotta quit coming to Ft Meade, we always busy when you come here!! GREAT GUY!!!!

I had the pleasure of meeting Jerry in 1974 while working Station 2 in Fort Meade where I was a Police Officer. Jerry and Doug Gieger talked me into applying with PCEMS. I started with EMS in 1975 and retired in 2003. My greasiest memories are of working calls with Jerry. His personally was his best attribute and his dedication to caring for people in need. I was bless to have played softball on our PCEMS softball team. Jerry will truly be missed. God Bless his family and keep them in our prayers.

Jerry and I worked together in EMS in the 70's, in the formative years of pre-hospital care, when there was a great deal of on-the-scene innovation to make the best use of our limited resources. Some of our innovations were, shall we say, creative, especially when dealing with patients who were both intoxicated and belligerent. But no matter how bad the situation was, Jerry always had my back. That goes for some interesting off-duty incidents as well ( we'll discuss those some other time ). Through it all, Jerry remained a loyal partner and friend. Rest in peace, brother.

Can´t help but to Smile EVERY TIME I think of Jerry! We´ve had some unbelievably fun times! Jerry has been a mentor, brother, friend, and guardian. The Fact that we couldn´t go anywhere no matter how close or how far away without someone coming up to us and saying Hey Jerry has always blown my mind! Jerry was Loved by so many people and everyone has a story! Thank You for sharing your life with us, Till we meet again, Rest In Peace my Brother Love You!

Jerry made us laugh every day, at the Home Depot in Lakeland. We miss him, and will love him forever. Rest in peace my friend.