Jerry Wilson
Jerry D. Wilson, 75, of Waynesboro, walked into the arms of Jesus on February 7, 2026 at UVA Health.
Jerry was born in Atlanta, GA, to Glenn L. and Bernice (Smith) Wilson on August 23, 1950. He grew up by the ocean on Folly Island, SC – fostering a lifelong love of the ocean, fried shrimp, and oyster stew. His father worked with cars and Jerry was always happy to talk about the various 1960s classics he’d had the opportunity to drive. His mother, having lost her right arm in an accident at the age of 13, taught Jerry about perseverance and overcoming obstacles while she raised three children. He enjoyed retelling his stories of seeing Elvis in concert and would rewatch all the old John Wayne movies. Jerry made his way to Virginia in the late 1970s, eventually landing in the Augusta County area and Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center, discovering a love of the mountains and spending time at the Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks. He spent time at WWRC as a student first and then as a counselor. While at WWRC, he started riding the church bus to Ridgeview Baptist Church. Jerry, by his testimony, came to realize he was a sinner in need of a Savior, repented of his sins, and accepted Christ as Savior. He spent the rest of his life serving the Lord in an effort to ensure as many people as possible would meet him in heaven one day. He was a member of various Baptist churches in the valley over the years, including Ridgeview in Stuarts Draft, Crossroads in Fishersville, Lighthouse in Waynesboro, and Sherlynd in Lyndhurst. As technology advanced, he enjoyed making PowerPoint Presentations for church services. Jerry loved working with children in the bus ministry, children’s church, and AWANA Clubs.
Jerry worked for many years as a Hardees manager and then in corrections facilities as a food service supervisor. He also enjoyed returning to WWRC in his older years to work with young people struggling with mental health and substance disorders. He spent time working as a 5 Star Training Cashier at Cracker Barrel as his last job, always happy to interact with the public and the “regulars”.
Jerry was born with Hemophilia A and this bleeding disorder diagnosis shaped much of his life, especially as a child when there was no treatment except blood transfusions. Hemophilia complicated his health as he aged, living far past expectations. He credited hematologists Dr. B. Gail Macik and Dr. Louise Man (and their teams) with helping to keep him going. During the last few years, he enjoyed attending events with the Virginia Bleeding Disorders Foundation community. Because of hemophilia, Jerry was not allowed to serve in the armed forces, as he wished. In a desire to serve his country in some way, he encouraged all citizens to exercise their rights as voters. He was involved with the Waynesboro Republican Committee and was honored to receive a Volunteer of the Year award while serving as Manager of the Waynesboro GOP Headquarters. Jerry enjoyed working at the polls as an Officer of Election and helping new citizens register to vote.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Buddy C. Wilson, and sister, Gena Crawley and her husband, Theodore. Along with his family, there were some special friends waiting to welcome him to heaven that Saturday morning.
In July 1982, Jerry married Diane (Coffey); though they had not lived together for many years prior to his death, they both continued to enjoy spending time with their family. Jerry is survived by Diane; daughter, Mary Faith Dudley and husband, Jeff of Grottoes; daughter, Angela Hope Rey and husband, Gabe of Lorain, OH; daughter, Lindsey Charity Wilson and partner, Clint Morgan of Waynesboro. He is also survived by his grand-dog Jemma, (with whom he enjoyed multiple games of tug and catch while living in “her” home), and by special grand-kitties, RJ, Maleficent, and Shadow. Many special friends also survive: Alan Powers, Richard Hanger, George Thompson, Doris Bush, Stan Cordell, Chris Guyer, and Danny Ledford, among others.
The family will receive friends from 5-7p.m on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at Charlton and Groome Funeral Home in Fishersville.
A Celebration of Life and Homegoing will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at Sherlynd Baptist Church in Lyndhurst with Pastor Allen George, Pastor Bill Johnson, and Pastor Chris Guyer officiating. A brief graveside service will follow at Augusta Memorial Park’s Mausoleum of Faith.
Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be Cody Brooks, Ray Brooks, Billy Cash, Nick Cash, Matthew Flint, Chris Guyer, Richard Hanger, Paul Harris, Danny Ledford, Alan Powers, Kevin Pugh, Aaron Sorrells, Jim Wood.
Memorials may be given to the Virginia Bleeding Disorders Foundation and Camp Youngblood or the Waynesboro Republican Committee.
The family of Jerry wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the Nurses and staff of UVA’s 4 Central and Coronary Care Units; Dr. Tijesuni Babalola; Nurses of UVA’s Cancer Center Augusta; Christine Coffman, RN; Lori Harold, RN; Colleen Green, PA; Ashley Simon, NP; Marc Gilgannon, PT; Julie Armatas, NP; Dr. Jaime Escanellas; Dr. Scott Seaton.
