Jerry Weaver

"He has made it clear to you, mortal man, what is good and what the Lord is requiring from you-to act with justice, to treasure the Lord's gracious love, and to walk humbly in the company of your God." Micah 6:8

Dr. Jerry Weaver, who lived a long and blessed life of walking humbly in the company of his Lord and Savior, passed into Heaven peacefully at his earthly home in Panama City Beach, FL on Monday, September 10th at the age of 74. Born in Paragould, Arkansas on April 30, 1944 to Holland and Ina Weaver, Jerry spent most of his childhood in Paragould surrounded by the family and friends he loved so dearly. As a young man, Jerry could be found most often playing basketball, helping at his parent's gas station or playing practical jokes on his friends. Early on in his life, Jerry felt God's calling to the ministry. In fact, he started preaching revivals in nearby churches while still a teenager. It was during his first revival, at the age of seventeen, that he met his high school sweetheart, Sandra Ashmore. Ten years later they were married. Jerry and Sandra celebrated 46 wonderful years of marriage this past April. After graduating from Greene County Tech High School, Jerry attended Union University where he studied theology and was the pastor at Union Academy in Huntingdon, Tennessee. After college graduation, he pastored in Marmaduke, Corning, and Piggott, Arkansas.

In 1985, God called Jerry and his family to First Baptist Church in Panama City Beach. During his 28 years of faithful service to First Baptist Church of Panama City Beach, Jerry completed two additional degrees; a Master's of Religious Education and a Doctorate of Theology from Luther Rice Seminary as well as two Honorary Doctorate Degrees in Divinity and Humanities. Jerry spent time as the Vice President of the Florida Baptist Convention and was honored and humbled to be asked to serve as the first Chaplain of the Panama City Beach Police Department. In that role he provided solace, support and comfort to the beach community for 27 years. Jerry continued serving his community as a member of the Pythagoras Lodge #358 and most recently by pastoring at North Bay Chapel at Deerpoint.

Jerry was a beloved pastor who was truly called to his profession and lived his life happily serving others. From the very beginning, he dedicated his life to sharing Christ with others. He encouraged all whom he came in contact with to explore the beauty of Jesus, the truth of salvation, the promises in the Bible and the eternal life we, as Christians, will experience in Heaven. As much as he was a man of God, Jerry was a man with a keen sense of humor as he loved to make others laugh either by telling jokes within his sermons or by writing comedy for the Hee Haw Show. Those who know him well also know he had a passion for fishing and for sharing oranges from his prolific backyard orange grove. He was a man who truly never met a stranger. If ever there was a "people person" it was Jerry Weaver.

He is preceded in death by both parents, Holland and Ina Weaver, nephew Brian Pigue, and brother-in-law Sam Ashmore. He is survived by his loving wife Sandra, adored daughter Deniece Moss, dedicated son-in-law Steve Moss, and two of his most admired people, his grandchildren Madison and Cooper Moss. He is also survived by his three siblings Elaine Wilthong (James), Carl Weaver (Carolyn), and Martha Gadberry (Leon), sister-in-law Landa Ashmore, nieces Sheryl Hartzog (Dale), Sherry Smith (Andy), Cindy Knowlton (Steven) and nephews Kenny Pigue (Robin), Jeff Weaver (Tricia) as well as a host of friends and prayer partners from all over the world.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Oasis Worship Center (formerly known as the Ocean Opry) 8400 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, at 12:00 Noon, Saturday, September 15, 2018 with Bro. Kim Bridges officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service. Casual dress would be appropriate...Jerry would want you to be comfortable. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Sgt. Kevin Kight Memorial Scholarship at the Gulf Coast State College Foundation or Oasis Worship Center in Panama City Beach. Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted at www.southerlandfamily.com


Southerland Family Funeral Home
100 E. 19TH St.
Panama City FL 32405
850-785-8532