Jerry Wayne Wilson | Eastern NC Now

    Jerry Wayne Wilson, age 76, of Washington, North Carolina, passed away at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital on April 24, 2025, surrounded by his family. A proud Army veteran, a retired long-haul truck driver, and a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Jerry's life was defined by service, simplicity, and the deep satisfaction of a job well done.

    Born on January 27, 1949, to the late Earl Lee Wilson and Doris Keech Wilson. Jerry grew up with dirt on his boots and a wrench in his hand. After graduating from Pantego High School in 1967 he soon served his country in the U.S. Army during Vietnam. He was stationed in Germany as well as Texas and a member of an Intelligence Aerial Battalion specializing in nighttime missions. While in the Army he excelled in marksmanship of several categories including rifle, automatic rifle and missiles. After his time in the service, he hit the open road as a truck driver, spending decades hauling freight across the country - always returning home with stories of the highway and a heart that never strayed too far from the riverbanks he loved. Although the health issues he has battled for several years now took a lot away from him, his mind was still a living atlas and could tell you how to get anywhere in the United States without looking at a map.

    In his garage, there wasn't a tool out of place. Rows of perfectly organized sockets, screwdrivers, and wrenches told the story of a man who could fix anything - and often did, for neighbors, family, or anyone who asked. But beware, if you were going to fix it yourself, he was going to give his advice on exactly how you needed to do it whether you wanted his advice or not. If he wasn't fixing things, you would probably find him with a fishing pole in hand and a neatly organized tackle box close by. The peace of the river, a serenity of a mind well traveled.

    His girls were the apples of his eye and when they had kids of their own, a new love sparkled in his eyes. His wallet was completely maxed out with every picture of them he could put it in. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Gayle Toler Wilson and their beloved shih tzu, Presley. His 2 daughters, Sherry Andrake, husband T.R and Kristy Henshaw, one son, Keith Rice and wife Lisa, two step-daughters, Melissa Greene, husband Gary, Jennie McKeel, husband David. Eleven grandchildren, Wilson Andrake, Riley Andrake, Sadi Effner, Josh Rice and wife Sira, Sarah Rice, Garrett Greene, Gavin Greene, Kristen Greene Griffin, Makayla Ortiz and husband Kevin, Makenzie Woolard, Kali McKeel. 5 great-grandchildren, Lawson Woolard, Cutler Ortiz, Bryson Ortiz, Kyla Woolard, Kye Rice. He is also survived by his sister Donetta "Cookie" Core, brother Doug Wilson, wife Elaine. Preceded in death by a brother Jerrell Wilson.

    In honor of Jerry's life, the family invites friends to a visitation on Sunday, April 27th from 6-8pm at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory and a funeral service Monday, April 28th at 2pm in the Chapel of Paul Funeral Home & Crematory officiated by Rev. Ronnie Aycock, graveside to follow at Pamlico Memorial Gardens.

    Rest easy, Jerry. The lines are cast, the road is clear, and your stories live on.

    Flowers are welcome and appreciated and the family request that any memorial contributions be made to the Beaufort County Humane Society, P.O. Box 33, Washington, NC 27889

    Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve Jerry's family.