Jerry Durham, loving husband to Jeanette for 48 years, doting father to “Sonnie” and “Trice”, adoring grandfather, committed Trustee at Mount Moriah Baptist Church, dedicated employee of Duke Energy for thirty-nine years, and a proud Veteran of the United States Marines. This humble man gained his Heavenly wings on Tuesday, July 26, 2022.
The son of Nellie Mae Durham and Joe Gaines, Jerry grew up in the community of Little Mountain in Anderson County, South Carolina. He was born May 12, 1949, in Anderson County and attended New Deal School.
After his enlistment at the age eighteen, Jerry served in Vietnam. He valued this service highly and attained the rank of Sergeant. He received the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/ P&F and received an Honorable Discharge.
Jerry was loved and respected by so many. He always had a smile, a hug, and an encouraging word. He will be dearly missed.
He is survived by daughters, Sonji Freeman and Terri (Perry) Durham-Mattress; grandsons, Xavier (Lisa) Reeves, Mychal (Luis) Reeves of Jacksonville, FL and Dorian Mattress; granddaughter, Sokoya Gay; great-grandchildren: Ma’kel Higginbotham, Z’mariyon Johnson, Jazel and Jakhyria Parker, Zayana, Jayden, and Jordan Reeves all of Anderson, SC; two sisters-in-law, Geneva Freeman-Ware and Helen Swinger Durham; adopted siblings: JB Poole, Charles Poole, Doris Reed and Mary Mattress all of Anderson, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanette Freeman-Durham; his parents; one brother, Leroy Durham; and two adopted siblings, Bennie Alvin Poole and Ethel Mae Rainey.
The funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, August 1, 2022 at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church. The interment will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 4, 2022 at M.J. "Dolly" Cooper Veterans Cemetery. Public viewing Sunday from 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
The family is at the home, 221 Greenmeadow Circle Anderson, SC 29626.
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