Gerald Francis Hazelbaker

Gerald (Jerry) Francis Hazelbaker, 70, passed away peacefully in the arms of his loving wife Sharon and his two sons Jeremy and Robert on Thursday, June 19th, 2025 in Roanoke Virginia.

Born in Portsmouth, Va, Jerry was many things— a devoted family man, a talented carpenter and a lifelong fisherman who believed the best therapy came with a tackle box and a quiet morning on the lake. He had a kind heart, and the uncanny ability to fix just about anything. He measured twice, cut once and was incredibly talented with his hands from woodworking, building houses, fixing up older cars and motorcycles. If he wasn’t building something with his hands, he was probably telling a good story about the old days on his Harley Davidson or a fisherman's tale.

Nothing made him prouder than being “Papa.” His grandchildren brought him joy, and he was always ready with a goofy joke, a gentle hug, or something he’d made just for them. He was also a true dog lover, never seen far from his four-legged companions. Sparky, his faithful walking buddy, was by his side for countless daily strolls around the neighborhood—rain, shine, or snow.

He is survived by his wife Sharon of 47 years of marriage; his children Jeremy, his wife Andrea, and Robert, his wife, Victoria; and four grandchildren, Belle, Emma Rose, Andrew, and Maddie; HIs mother Marie; sister Doreen; brother Tom; and countless family and friends who will miss his laugh, and his stories that always ended with a smile.

We will be celebrating his life the way he would’ve wanted—sharing memories, a few laughs, and maybe even a fishing tale or two on Thursday, June 26, 2025 from 4 to 6 PM at Conner-Bowman Funeral Home.

To honor Jerry, spend a little extra time outdoors by going fishing, or making something with your hands. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to help with final expenses.

He may have hung up his toolbelt and fishing rod, but his legacy of love, laughter, and craftsmanship lives on in all of us.

Arrangements by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home & Crematory, 62 VA Market Place Drive, Rocky Mount, VA 24151.