Gerald Francis Eggleston of Lexington, Virginia, died Monday, February 8, 2016.
He was 90 years old.
Jerry was born in Antwerp, N.Y., September 9, 1925, the son of the late Scott Earl Eggleston and Mary Curtin Eggleston.
He graduated from Watertown High School (N.Y.) January 1944 and joined the Marines, becoming a World War II Pacific veteran, 1944-46. He later served as Captain in the United States Army reserves, 1951-61.
Upon return from the war, Henry Wise, also from Watertown, N.Y., and a 1927 graduate of VMI, convinced Jerry to attend his alma mater and play football. "The Egg" followed Henry's advice, made the varsity team as linebacker third class year, was coached by Arthur "Slick" Morton and later Tom Nugent, and began receiving a tuition scholarship.
It was never known whether Henry Wise was the generous grantor. Eggleston also wrestled and became captain of his team. He graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1951. Being a World War II veteran, Eggleston was granted permission to get married before his 1st class year (senior year) to Anna Hileman of Lexington August 5, 1950. They were married until her death July 21, 2005.
Upon graduation, Jerry served as clerk of the New York State Senate Committee on Public Relief and Welfare. Chairman of this committee was the late Henry Wise.
In 1955, he became a salesman with the Dupont de Nemours Co. in Wilmington, Del. In 1965, he became the Director of Alumnae Relations of Penn Hall Junior College and Preparatory School in Chambersburg, Pa. In 1970, he became the Director of Development for Boys Home in Covington. Eggleston was named the Alumni Secretary of the VMI Alumni Association in 1973 until 1989.
Among his accomplishments were hiring Sandy McNamara '73, creating the New Cadet Recruiting Program, establishing new Alumni Chapters, updating the Register of Cadets, engaging alumni in educational travel programs, all at a time when computers and cell phones did not exist.
After his retirement, he most proudly helped secure The Eugenio Lopez Visiting Chair for Asian Studies, bringing a scholar to teach cadets at VMI for one semester. The late Eugenio "Geny" Lopez '51 of the Philippines was Jerry's great friend and brother rat.
Eggleston served as chairman of the Electoral Board of the City of Lexington for nine years. He was a member of the Rockbridge Volunteers Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and also served the Virginia Society of the SAR as its secretary.
Jerry is survived by his children, Nancy Eggleston Brand, Cynthia Eggleston Robertson, both of Roanoke, and Gerald Scott Eggleston of West Valley, Utah; his grandchildren, William F. Brand IV, John Mitchell Eggleston and Danielle Marie Eggleston; and many nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his sisters, Helen LeBeau, Shirley Shovea, and Mary Scherer.
A graveside service will be held 3 p.m. Friday, February 12, 2016, in Stonewall Jackson Cemetery. Friends of the family are invited to his home at 302 Jackson Avenue, Lexington, Va., to celebrate his life 4 to 7 p.m.
Friday, February 12, 2016. Memorial donations in honor of Jerry may be made to the VMI Keydet Club, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450.
Arrangements are being handled by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, Va.
