Jerry McKaskel Jr.

1959 - 2025

We are heartbroken to announce that Jerry (Butch) Dale McKaskel, Jr, 65, formerly of Boone, NC, died peacefully with family by his side on October 29, 2025, at Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, NC. Butch was born December 23, 1959, in Womack Army Hospital, Fort Bragg, NC, the middle child of the late Jerry and Susan (Ficthenger) McKaskel. In his early years, his family lived in New Orleans, Louisiana. In 1969, they moved to Boone, NC (God's Country), when Butch was ten. He graduated from Watauga High School in 1979. He earned his Associate of Science degree in Forestry from Haywood Technical College in 1981. Butch had a lengthy career with Georgia Pacific as a Certified Lumber Grader. Butch changed career paths and worked for Lowe's Companies' distribution division in Statesville, NC, for 15 years, where he received numerous service awards.

Butch loved the Blue Ridge Mountains and took full advantage of the area's beauty. He hiked many trails in the area and learned to ski and ride a motorcycle. One summer, he played the part of the Tin Man for the theme park, "The Land of Oz" on Beech Mountain, NC.

Butch was a gentle soul known for his sense of humor, kindness, and generosity. He loved to travel, he enjoyed cooking, and his chili was always requested for family gatherings along with his famous Bloody Marys. He canned vegetables from his garden, made delicious jelly and tomato juice, and learned from his mom how to make the best dilly beans. Butch was known for his love of animals and for adopting and caring for many strays that came to his door throughout his life.

Butch is preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Susan (Fichtenger) McKaskel; his aunts and uncles, Mary Betty and Connie Sellers, William (Stevi) Stephenson III, Edwin and Sarah Love McKaskel; their daughter, Carol Thum; and his stepfather, John (Jack) Stanley, Jr.

Butch was a loyal friend to many and took pride in his strong bond with his family.

Mourning Butch's loss are his partner of 26 years, Ken Roberts; his sister, Laura McKaskel, her husband David Arnold of Roanoke, VA; his brother and family, Ron and Jennifer (Fako) McKaskel; his beloved nephews, Casey and Cooper McKaskel, of the Raleigh, NC area, along with many extended family and friends.

Butch's gravesite service will be at the Mount Lawn Cemetery in Boone, NC, on Saturday, April 18, at 11 a.m. A Celebration of Life will follow this service, and the family will share more details closer to the date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) https://secure.ASPCA.org. Condolences may be shared online at www.salemfh.com.