Jerry Wayne Megaris Sr

Jerry Wayne Megaris, 80, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on July 15, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Jerry was a man known for his kindness, steady work ethic, and quiet strength. He proudly served his country in the United States Army with the 82nd Airborne Division, serving at Fort Bragg after being drafted. He carried that same sense of duty and dedication throughout his life.

After his military service, Jerry worked at Suburban, later at La-Z-Boy in the poly room, and then spent many years in the plumbing department at Home Depot, where he was known for helping customers with patience and respect. In retirement, he enjoyed helping at The Washbarn, where his friendly smile and kind heart made everyone feel welcome.
Jerry loved the outdoors. Whether he was hunting, fishing, or simply spending time with family, those were the moments that brought him the greatest joy. He never met many strangers and was remembered by those who knew him as one of the kindest men you could ever hope to meet.

He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Jane Megaris; his children, Tammy (Bill Laurence), Ricky Needham (preceded in death), Von (Richard Stines), Donnie (Kristy Needham), Jerry Wayne (Amy Megaris), Dawn (Dan Walker), and Larry Ray (Natalie Sneed); numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom he loved dearly; his sister, Shirley Ann Gillahan; and many extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny Gillahan and Mary Francis Gillahan; his siblings, Frances Jeanett Craft and her husband Johnny Craft, Bonnie Knopp, Charlotte Gillahan, and his son, Ricky Needham.

Jerry's family finds peace in knowing that his suffering has ended. His faith carried him through life, and they rejoice in the promise that he is now at home with the Lord, reunited with loved ones who went before him. Though his absence leaves a tremendous void, they find comfort in knowing that one day they will see him again.

Jerry leaves behind a legacy of hard work, compassion, faith, and unconditional love for his family. He lived a simple life, found joy in the outdoors, and always had time to lend a helping hand. Though he will be deeply missed every day, the memories he created and the example he set will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

As his family remembers Jerry, they can't help but smile through their tears. They imagine him stepping into Heaven, taking a deep breath without pain for the first time in months, being greeted by the Lord and reunited with those who had gone before him. In their hearts, they can picture Jerry finding his brother-in-law, Johnny, at daylight, climbing into a boat with a fishing pole in hand, and finally catching the giant fish he spoke of in his final days. It is a memory they will treasure and a reminder that, while he is gone from their sight, he is home.

"Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your Lord."
- Matthew 25:23