Jerry Clyde Butcher, of Maysel, West Virginia, went home to be with the Lord on August 3, 2024, at the age of 89.
Jerry was born on September 4, 1934, to Dow Dencil Butcher and Mona Gay Harold Butcher, in Maysel, West Virginia.
Jerry was preceded in death by his father, mother, and his wife of 66 years, Joretta Joy Butcher, and his daughter Ellen Joy Butcher; brother; Gary H. Butcher Sr. and his wife Joyce Ward Butcher.
He is survived by his sisters-in-law, Mary Helen Conrad Peterson of Tallmadge, OH and Ruth Ellen Walker of Watkinsville, Ga; his devoted friend and caregiver, Kim Haverstock of Canton, OH; nephew, Gary H. Butcher Jr. (Lesha) of Ivydale, WV; nieces, Lisa Murphy (Rusty) of Dog Run, Connie (Frank) of Clay; great nieces, Claudia, Odessa, Stella, Elsie, Evie and Lucy; great nephews, Garren (Destiny), Luke (Erica), Ethan (Jamie) and David (Christina) many other nieces and nephews and friends. As well as his companion cat, Heidi.
Jerry grew up in Maysel and graduated from Clay County High School in 1953. He served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956. He was stationed in Pirmasens, Germany. Jerry married Joretta Joy Conrad on January 1, 1955. Joretta joined him in Germany until he completed his tour in the fall of 1956. They returned to the States that same year. Jerry attended West Virginia University, where he graduated in 1960 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He also attended Harvard University’s AMP program in 1978.
In 1960, Jerry became employed by The Good Year Tire and Rubber Company, based in Akron, Ohio. He started his career working in a management training program for Kelly Springfield in Cumberland, MD.
His career continued as follows, 1968, he was employed in Point Pleasant, WV as a Human Resource Manager. 1970-75, he was employed in Tyler, Texas as the Production Manager. 1975, he was employed in Cumberland, MD as the Production Manager. 1976, he was employed in Akron, Ohio as Assistant to the Executive Vice President of Good Year. 1976, he was employed in Logan, Ohio as the Plant Manager. 1978, he was employed in Akron, Ohio as the Director of Home Products. 1984, he was employed in Akron, Ohio as the Director of the North American Tire Plants, as Director of Asian manufacturing. 1986, he was appointed as director of Asian manufacturing. 1996, Jerry retired from Good Year.
Jerry was a member of The Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church of East Canton, Ohio. He was a Master Mason of 60 plus years, Shriner of 50 plus years, and Scottish Rite of over 50 years at the 32nd degree of Masonry.
Jerry and Joretta enjoyed the International Experience. They traveled to many parts of the world throughout his career and spent many vacations aboard.
After Jerry’s retirement, he and Joretta moved to the country in Louisville, Ohio. They enjoyed living there for 20 some years. They enjoyed their home and enjoyed entertaining family and friends and going to church. Through the years, Joretta and Jerry also enjoyed their second home in Maysel, WV.
In September of 2023, Jerry and his cat, Heidi moved back to his hometown where he enjoyed family and friends, watching the birds and the deer. He spent the remainder of his days in his old home place in Maysel, WV. A special thanks to the Hospicecare workers and many health care givers and loved ones.
Jerry service was held on Friday, August 9, 2024 with a visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. at Wilson Smith Funeral Home, Clay, following with a graveside service at 12:00 p.m. at the Harold Cemetery on Uler Road, Newton WV.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com
Wilson Smith Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Butcher family.
