Jerry Lee Terrell

Captain Jerry Lee Terrell, United States Navy Retired, passed away quietly in his home Friday October 27, 2023. He was born on July 10, 1934. Jerry grew up in Atlanta, GA and was a resident of Jacksonville, FL for many years.

Jerry was graduated from Fulton High School and Georgia Tech University in Atlanta, GA. Upon his graduation from Georgia Tech through the Navy ROTC program, he was commissioned into the United States Navy in 1956. Career highlights included flying Navy jets from aircraft carriers all over the world including three combat deployments to Vietnam (one as a squadron commander) flying A-4 and A-7 aircraft and earning numerous personal decorations including 7 awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross. During his career Jerry commanded VA 174, (the A-7 training RAG) and NAS Cecil Field (Master Jet Base in Jacksonville FL). After his retirement from the Navy, Jerry was inducted into and remains an emeritus member of The Golden Eagles Aviation Association.

In addition to his Naval career, Jerry had a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in management, taught at Jacksonville University for 21 years and was a tenured full Professor of Aeronautics and granted the title Professor Emeritus upon retirement.

Jerry was a devout Christian all of his life. He attended The First Christian Church of the Beaches, serving as an elder for many years. He was a loving son, loving and devoted husband, loving and devoted father and outstanding friend to literally hundreds of people. He will be missed by all.

Jerry is survived by sons, Terry (Chris) and Dan (Dori); grandchildren Jonathan, Joshua, Sancere (Josh), Jack (Julia), Sarah Grace, Gray (Tabatha) and Kent (Stacy). He was predeceased by his beloved wife Sarah, his beloved daughter Cheryl and his beloved brother Ronnie.

A visitation will be held from 6:00pm to 8:00pm Monday, November 6, 2023 at Quinn-Shalz Funeral Home, 3600 Third Street South, Jacksonville, FL. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am, Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at First Christian Church of the Beaches, 2125 Ocean Front, Neptune Beach, FL. Interment will be at 2:30pm, November 7, 2023 at the Jacksonville National Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/donate) in his name.