Gerald I. (Jerry) Heller, 91, passed away January 11, 2022, peacefully surrounded by his family.
Graveside services will be held 10:30 A.M., Thursday, January 13, 2022, at the Fitzgerald Hebrew Congregation Cemetery at Evergreen Cemetery in Fitzgerald, with Rabbi Moshe Elbaz officiating. The eulogy will be given by Dale Pflug. The family will receive family and friends at the cemetery at the time of the service.
Jerry was born to Max and Rose Heller in Erie, Pennsylvania on November 20, 1930. Mr. Heller was a graduate of Gordon Military School of Georgia in 1948 and earned a degree in Business from the University of Georgia, graduating in 1952. He served his country as a 1st Lieutenant and tank commander in the United States Army in Korea from 1952-1954. Mr. Heller was the President and CEO of Irwin Manufacturing for 48 years. He was also a member of the Masons for over 60 years, a 50 plus-year member of the Lions Club and sat on various boards of admiration including the Board of Finance for Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Ocilla Chamber of Commerce, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College and Sunny Dale Training Center.
He was very giving of his time and interest to charities: St. Jude, Shriners, Fitzgerald Hebrew Congregation, and also children in the Indian Reservations. He enjoyed his cows and sheep on his farm and riding horses. His hobbies included traveling the states and abroad, model trains, playing golf, and his faithful dog Floyd.
His survivors include his wife of 67 years, Irene Heller; son, Jeff (Donna) Heller; daughter, Sheryl Heller; grandchildren: Matthew (Maddie O’Leary) Heller, Ansley (Caleb) Linahan and Lindsey (T.J.) Wilson; great-grandchildren: Easton Wilson and Emma Wilson; sister, Pauline Perlis; and several nieces and nephews.
Jerry appreciated all of the care he received from his caregivers: Tan Mosley, Gwen Wynn, Deborah Paschal, Latonia Woodard, and Demetria Brown.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Fitzgerald Hebrew Congregation, c/o Phil Perlis, 346 Main Street, Tifton GA 31794 or to the charity of the donor’s choice.