Jerry Franklin Musser
Jerry Franklin Musser, aged 91, passed away on January 10, 2025, in Mount Airy, NC. He was born on July 6, 1933, in Rural Retreat, VA. He married Wilma Juanita Porter in 1958, and together they shared 45 years until her passing in 2003. He is survived by his partner of 20 years, Jenny Whiticar; his sister, Judy Musser Burkett; his children, Jeffrey Stefan Musser (Mary) and Jan Christina Musser Hess (Dan); his five grandchildren, Lara Musser (James), Keegan Musser (Wanatcha), Isabella Hess Matacotta (Anthony), Stefan Musser, and Maximilian Hess (Dayanara); his great-granddaughter, Talia Christina Matacotta; and his nieces and their families. He is predeceased by his parents, Bezaleel Love and Ruth Repass Musser; and brothers B.I. and Don Musser.
Jerry was the salutatorian of Rural Retreat High School's Class of 1950, and he sang in the high school chorus. He attended Marion College and Roanoke College in Virginia.
Jerry was a dedicated serviceman, drafted into the US Army and serving as an artillery specialist at White Sands, NM; Fort Lewis, WA; and Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. Following his military service, Jerry embarked on a successful career in quality control management, working with Brunswick Corporation and later holding significant positions at American of Martinsville Furniture and Bassett Furniture-Mt. Airy. He retired in 2001.
A man of the outdoors, Jerry was passionate about fishing and hunting, activities that inspired him to keep a diary and write nature poetry. His many dogs were his favorite people. He was involved in various community groups, including the Lions Club and the Fraternity of Quality Control Managers. He also found joy in golf, participating in summertime tournaments and playing frequent rounds at Pine Ridge Classic with friends and family. He was elated to have made a hole-in-one during his lifetime! An active member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church since 1986, Jerry served as a lay assistant and usher and was a member of the church choir well into his advanced years.
A small memorial service will be held at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church in Mt. Airy in the coming weeks. Details to follow on this website. In memory of Jerry, contributions can be made to St. Andrew Lutheran Church.
