Jerry Lee Vestal

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Mr. Jerry Lee Vestal, age 79, of Moravian Falls, passed away Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at SECU Hospice Care Center in Yadkinville, N.C.

A Memorial Service with Military Honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1142 Honor Guard will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Zion Hill Baptist Church in Boomer, N.C. with Rev. Wade Collins and Rev. David Welborn officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the Family Life Center.

Jerry was born June 18, 1946, in Surry County to William Howard Taft and Mary Luzetta Anderson Vestal.  He graduated from Wilkes Central High School and then served in The United States Navy as an Aviation Ordnanceman during the Vietnam War.  Upon returning home, he attended Appalachian State University long enough to catch a wife.  He married Barbara Ellington on August 16, 1970, and they made their home in Moravian Falls. Three children were born to the marriage, Britt, Jamie and Lee. Jerry worked for Holly Farms/Tyson and retired after thirty-six years, during which time he served in the North Carolina National Guard as a Platoon Sergeant. When anyone mentioned to him that they appreciated his service in the military, he always responded “Thank you.  I would do it again.”  He was a member of Zion Hill Baptist Church in Boomer, North Carolina.  Jerry enjoyed the outdoors, raising cattle and cutting timber.  His love of football and baseball led to many years of coaching, and many young men in Wilkes County played ball for him.  He was a fierce competitor and desired the best efforts from his players.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara, of the home; daughters Britt Vestal Call and husband Chad of North Wilkesboro and Jamie Vestal Charles of Millers Creek; son William Lee Vestal (Mandy) of Moravian Falls; grandchildren Taft Fletcher, Spencer Vestal, Zetta Charles, Grace Vestal, and bonus grandchildren, Avery and Bristol Call; sister JoAnn Raby (Jim) of Statesville; brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Becki Arrington, of Greensboro, beloved nieces and nephews, and many special, devoted friends.

The family wishes to express our gratitude for the love and care provided by Mtn. Valley Hospice and Palliative Care.  Mtn. Valley made this journey much easier, and Jerry appreciated all they did to help him. 

Memorials may be made to Mtn. Valley Hospice & Palliative Care, P.O. Box 325 Dobson, NC 27017 or Tunnels to Towers Foundation 2361 Hylan Blvd. Staten Island, NY 10306.

Online condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com

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