Jerry, also known as "Willy" to his sisters was born October 29, 1946 in Steubenville, Ohio and grew up in Canton,Ohio.  He went on to join the US Navy at the age of 17 after receiving official permission from his mother.  While stationed in the Philippines he met and fell in love with Soledad Vale Cruz of Cavite City.  They were married there on   (DATE).

As a retired Chief Mess Specialist Jerry had served 20 years with numerous overseas and shore tours which included (#) deployments to Vietnam.  As a food service instructor, both active duty and later after retirement, he passed on his expert culinary and baking skills to many sailors, some of which went on to serve on the White House staff.  His military decorations include:

Jerry had a joy for life and sincerely cared for all his family and friends.  He developed a passion for golf, especially with friends from the Bonita Golf Course.  In his later years he played as much as he could while overcoming many health challenges.  He was always thankful for the doctors and, most importantly, the anonymous person whose kidney added many more quality years to his life making him one of the longest surviving kidney recipients in San Diego.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Soledad "Sally" (Vale Cruz) and his dog Chipper. He is also survived by sister Linda Williamson, her sons Keith, Kenny,  grandson Nicholas, and his other sister "Mert" Alice Dunn-Peyrot, bother-in-law Eric and their daughter Emily, grandchildren, Zoé and Noé.  Additionally, loving family from his mother's Criswell and Ruckman side, from his father's Dunn side.