Gerald Richard "Jerry" Applegate

1929 - 2021

APPLEGATE, Gerald "Jerry" Richard, 91, passed away on February 11, 2021. Jerry was born on May 21, 1929, in Greensburg, Pa., to Ivan Dale and Dorothy Brackin Applegate. He grew up in Sycamore, Illinois, and later moved with his family to Winston-Salem, N.C. Jerry attended N.C. State University, graduating in 1951 with a degree in Industrial Engineering. Following college, he served in the U.S. Air Force for four years. He enjoyed a successful career as an industrial engineer at Western Electric for more than 30 years, and was an active volunteer with the AT&T Pioneers and St. Paul's Episcopal Church Lenten Luncheons. Jerry was a devoted family man. He married the love of his life, Anne Cly Russell, in 1952, and they had four children. He enjoyed the outdoors, reading spy and action novels, playing bridge, working jig saw puzzles, playing pool, traveling, and laughing at a good joke. He was preceded in death by his parents; his younger brother, Dr. A. Leon Applegate; and his daughter, Janis Elaine Applegate. He is survived by his wife, Anne; his children, Sharon Russell Applegate and her partner, Jim Scott, David Allan Applegate, and Steven Mark Applegate and his wife, Mary O'Brien; his grandchildren, Christopher Applegate, Catherine Applegate, Joseph O'Brien-Applegate and his fiancee, Kristen Verge, and Kimberly O'Brien-Applegate; and a loving extended family. A memorial service for the family will be held at a later date.