Gerald "Jerry" Luke Krider

Gerald “Jerry” Luke Krider of Union Grove, NC passed away Monday, May 31st in his home. He was 70. 

Born in Watauga County on February 4, 1951, Jerry was the son of the late William “Bill” Fred Krider and Christene Bare Krider Brown. He was a 1969 graduate of Watauga High School in Boone and a 1982 graduate of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, NC. Jerry also served in the US Army in the 709th MP Battalion in Offenbach, West Germany from 1971-1973. 

On August 3, 1969, he married his high school sweetheart, Karen Wilson Krider. From there, Jerry truly enjoyed a long, distinguished career as an operator and diesel mechanic on heavy equipment.  His career also saw him as an instructor in the diesel program at Wilkes Community College and working for various Earth moving companies throughout the southeast United States. 

Jerry has a passion for fishing and Bluegrass music, playing guitar and enjoying singing his entire life. He also had a fierce love of his grandchildren and enjoyed his time spent with them immensely. 

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by a brother, Keith Krider. 

He is survived by his wife, Karen Wilson Krider of Union Grove; his son, Ryan Matthew Krider and wife Cristie of Wilmington; his two grandchildren, Kathryn Rose and Lucas Michael; his brother, Mark Krider and wife Sue of Athens, TX;  sister-in-laws, Sharon Krider of Harmony and Rebecca McGonigal and husband Bill and Mother-in-law Phyllis Wilson Eller. 

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm, Thursday, June 3rd at Reins-Sturdivant Chapel with military honors provided by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Affairs Post 1142. The family will hold a visitation from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm prior to the service. Burial will follow in Mount Lawn Memorial Park in Boone. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Kitchen, PO Box 1072, Wilkesboro, NC 28697 or Hope Ministries, 514 Elkin Hwy, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659. 

Online condolences may be made at www.reinssturdivant.com.

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