Jerry Dennis Durham, Sr.

Jerry Dennis Durham, Sr, 81, died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his family at his home in Four Oaks, NC on Thursday, March 17, 2022. A Memorial Service will be held at 6:00PM-Monday, March 21, 2022 in the church sanctuary at First Baptist Church in Four Oaks. Rev. John I. Norman, Jr., Dr. Sherrill Stevens, Rev. Durwood Jackson will officiate.

Jerry was born on the family farm in Four Oaks, on October 20, 1940 to Carlie Earl Durham and Floy Lassiter Durham. He was a 1959 graduate of Four Oaks High School and later attended North Carolina State University. Jerry married Ann Carol Sanders of the Strickland’s Crossroads community on June 16, 1963. Jerry was a lifelong resident of Four Oaks and was self-employed as a farmer. He not only raised corn, tobacco, cotton, and livestock, but also a family, as well as employing a good number of Four Oaks youth on his farm throughout the years. He was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, friend, and mentor to the many people that shared his life. Jerry was a long-standing member of First Baptist Church in Four Oaks where he served as deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Secretary, and Royal Ambassador leader, among many other positions. He was also a charter member of the Four Oaks Civitan Club. Jerry loved spending time outdoors whether it was on a tractor, gardening with his wife, at a ballgame, spending time with his grandkids, or hunting and fishing. He was an avid bridge player and storyteller.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ann Carol Sanders Durham, his sons Jerry Dennis Durham, Jr, and wife Melanie Edwards Durham, James Keith Durham, II and wife Lisa Hudson Durham, and daughter-in-law, Heather Ludwig Durham; grandchildren Carlye Hunter Durham, Steven Edwards Durham, Jackson Dennis Durham, Lanie Carol Durham, Emma Catherine Blackman, and Clayton Samuel Blackman.

The family will receive friends following the memorial service in the church fellowship hall, and other times at the home.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to David Rose for his compassionate home health care that helped to make Jerry’s final months so enjoyable.

Memorial donations can be made to First Baptist Church of Four Oaks, PO Box 717, Four Oaks, NC, 27524.

Arrangements by Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Four Oaks, NC