Jared Arthur (Jerry) Close left this world on January 16, 2019.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, March 26, 1923, he was adventurous and energetic from a young age, and still walking on the last day of his life.
A World War II veteran, Jerry got his lifelong love of aviation, cartography, and travel from his time as a high altitude technician in the Army Air Corps.
After the war, he returned to Virginia to finish his geology degree at Washington and Lee University.
Jerry was lucky enough to fall in love with his wife, Houston, raise a family, and eventually pursue his career passion of philanthropic fundraising. Accepting leadership roles in national fundraising groups, he was recognized for his contributions to the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the National Society of Fundraising Executives. He retired in 1992 as vice president of public affairs for Sunnyside Presbyterian Home.
Ask anyone what Jerry loved most in this world and they'll tell you "family." But countless things compete for second place. When something interested Jerry Close, he became a student and a fan. If you gave him an afternoon, he could teach you things you never knew about trout fishing or politics, cartography or dirt track racing, world history or meteorology, fundraising or making a perfect apple pie.
Jerry was as full of knowledge as he was full of pride in his family. His love for his wife, Frances Houston Alexander Close, filled his heart for most of his years on this earth, and now, for eternity. On the surface, their three daughters could not be more different from one another. But, when it comes to valuing family, the resemblance is startling! Raising the girls in a home with "Grandma A" and "Aunt Lolly," Jerry and Houston made time with loved ones a priority. They made road trips to see Grandma and Grandpa Close, spent time with Aunt Pat, Uncle Gordon and their boys, had visits with brother Lee and family, and played with cousins near and far. Jerry and Houston gifted their girls with a certainty that each was loved and unique.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Houston Alexander Close; his parents, Garth and Hulda Close; brother, Alan Lee Close; sisters-in-law, Shirley, Gladys and Pat; son-in-law, David and nephew, Garth.
Jerry is survived by his daughters, Frances Ruley, Karen Houser (Gibson), and P. Barclay Close (Annie). He is also survived by grandchildren Lisa, Karey, Sarah, Will, Brent and Alexander, as well as 13 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, who all know him as "Popeye." He will be sorely missed by his sister-in-law, Ann Eliza Alexander, his many nieces and nephews, his church family, and more friends than you can count.
The family would like to thank his many caregivers, whose presence in the home gave us confidence that Jerry and Aunt Liza were receiving loving care.
Given Jerry's philanthropic nature, the family would be honored if, in lieu of flowers, donations were made to one of several charities. Because Jerry was a loving caregiver to many furry companions over the years, including many rescue animals, please consider a donation to your local no kill shelter or Fairfield Presbyterian Church. You may also consider Sunnyside Presbyterian Home or Rockbridge Area Hospice, who cared for him and his wife at end of life and where he had also volunteered.
Whether you knew him as Daddy, Pop, Popeye, Uncle Jerry, Mr. Close, or Jerry, you are welcome to join in a celebration of his life at Fairfield Presbyterian Church at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 26, 2019. The family will greet friends immediately after the service in the church social hall.
Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home and Crematory.
