Jacob Carpenter "Jerry" Pence Iii Obituary (1947 - 2015)

Jacob Carpenter "Jerry" Pence III, 67, of McGaheysville, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2015 at Sentara RMH Medical Center. Mr. Pence was born on August 3, 1947 in Rockingham County and was a son of the late Jacob Carpenter "Jack" and Margaret (Garber) Pence Jr. Jerry graduated from Montevideo in 1965 and the Virginia Military Institute in 1969. After his graduation from VMI, Jerry served in the United States Army for two years. Following his service, he attended John Tyler Community College where he graduated with a funeral service degree. Jerry and his father owned and operated Kyger-Pence Funeral Service until his father's death, and he continued until his retirement in 2012. He was a member of Mt. Olive Brethren Church, Port Republic Ruritan Club, Virginia Funeral Directors Association, and a lifelong member of the NRA. Jerry also authored his own book, "Kids, Don't Try This At Home." On November 28, 1990, he married the former Debbie Diehl, who survives. In addition to his wife, Jerry is survived by a stepson, Chris Diehl and wife Layna of Broadway; a brother, John Stephen Garber Pence of Palmyra, VA; two step-grandchildren, Grayson and Gavin Diehl; two aunts, Nancy Ellen Garr and husband Ray of Culpeper, Josephine Garber of Richmond; and a nephew, John Pence and wife Shelley of Athens, GA. A memorial service will be held on Saturday January 31, 2015 at 3 PM at Mt. Olive Brethren Church with Dr. Frederic Miller, Rev. A.D. Tice, and Pastor Gail Heiston officiating. Burial will be held privately. The family will receive friends on Saturday following the Memorial Service at the church. Friends may call anytime Friday during the day at McMullen Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to E.R.M.A. Food Pantry, P.O. Box 432, Grottoes, VA 24441. Those wishing may share a memory or an online condolence by visiting www.mcmullenfh.com Arrangements entrusted to McMullen Funeral Home.