Jerry Onvell Josey

Jerry O. Josey, 75, of 101 Dallas Lane, Statesville, passed away Thursday, Feb. 15, 2007, at Iredell Memorial Hospital following a period of declining health. He was born in Statesville on May 11, 1931, and was the son of the late John Onvell Josey and Sally Rary Josey. Jerry was a 1949 graduate of Statesville High School and served in the U.S. Navy with two tours in the Pacific during the Korean conflict. Before his discharge, he worked in the military newspaper office at Pearl Harbor. Following his military service, he worked for the Lenoir Topic newspaper before coming to the Record & Landmark newspaper. At the time of his retirement in December 1998, his newspaper career in Statesville spanned 54 years. He was the first full-time sports editor of the Record & Landmark. He also served as City Editor and Executive Editor before his retirement. Jerry was recognized at his retirement by the Mayor of Statesville, John Marshall, with the Distinguished Citizen Award. According to the late Jay Huskins, who was one of the finest editors in the state, Jerry was self-taught, smart, knew spelling and learned fast. His staff respected him and worked for him. His interest in sports included playing baseball and bowling. As a highlight in his bowling career, he was recognized as bowler of the year. In 1996 he served the Dogwood Festival as Grand Marshall of the parade. He had been a long time member of the Statesville Civitan Club and was honored as Boss of the Year for 1978-1979. Jerry was a lifetime member of Pressly Memorial ARP Church, where he had served as a Sunday school teacher, a deacon, an elder, congregational chairman and was a member of the choir for more than 40 years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Jerry Michael "Mike" Josey, in March 13, 2000. He is survived by a son, Stanley Dale Josey and wife, Donna, of Catawba; a daughter, Terry Lynn J. Sherrill and husband, Danny, of Sherrill's Ford; five grandchildren, Stan Josey, currently serving in Iraq with the military, Colby Josey of Catawba, Stephanie and Steven Josey of Catawba, and Adam Sherrill of Sherrill's Ford; two brothers, Glenn R. Josey and wife, Phyllis, of Denver, Colo., and John A. Josey of Statesville; two sisters, Janice Everidge and husband, Wayne, of Statesville, and Carole Overcash, also of Statesville; as well as a number of nieces and nephews. A service to celebrate the life of Jerry O. Josey will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Pressly Memorial ARP Church with the Rev. Frank Stewart and the Rev. Coy Privette officiating. Interment will be in the Olivet Baptist Church Cemetery in Catawba County. Active pallbearers will be grandsons, Adam Sherrill, Steven Josey, Colby Josey; and nephews, Todd Lenderman, Jason Overcash, and Guy Knox. Honorary pallbearers will be Barry Moss, Don Laws, Norman Moore, Chester P. Middlesworth, and Pete Scott. Former and present employees of the Statesville Record & Landmark will be seated in an honorary group. Military honors at the graveside will be conducted by the Iredell County Veterans Council. The family will be assembled at the residence, 101 Dallas Lane, but will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. today at Pressly Memorial ARP Church. Memorials may be given to the Building Fund of Fifth Street Ministries, P.O. Box 5217, Statesville, NC 28687. Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Jerry O. Josey.

Published in the Statesville Record & Landmark on 2/17/2007.