Gerald “Jerry” W. Thompson, 94, passed away peacefully at the Bailey Center on 02/28/2026 surrounded by loved ones. He never met a stranger and always had a smile and willingness to talk to anyone he met. His love for his family was evident and many of them, both local and from out-of-town, visited him in his last days.

Jerry was born in Springfield, Ohio, where he raised his family and helped with raising his grandsons and great grandsons. After retiring from AT&T he and his wife traveled to Europe and Australia and went on many US golf outings with their life-long friends. In his later years he moved to be with family, first in 2012 to Panama City Beach, FL where he spent many hours fishing off the pier with his great grandsons, and then in 2020 to St. Augustine. He enjoyed going on bike rides, riding on the beach, spending time with family and friends, being involved in the Council on Aging’s Coastal Community Center programs and playing Farkle.

He was predeceased by his parents (Walter and Dorothy), two younger brothers Ronald (surviving wife Shirley) and James and grandson Jacob. His younger sister Mary Ellen Meeks lives with her husband Christopher in Hollywood, FL. His wife Dorothy of 67 years died in 2017, and he leaves behind their three daughters - Kay Kovaleski, Jennifer Thompson (partner Rick Powell), and Jocelyn Flynt (husband John); four grandchildren - Matt Kovaleski (wife Missy), Jason Kovaleski, Rachel Flynt and Jennifer Flynt; two great grandchildren - Tyler Kovaleki (wife Jessica) and Joshua Kovaleski; and one great, great grandson - Colsen Kovaleski.

Jerry’s faith in Christ has taken him home to heaven where he will have love, joy and peace forever. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.

A family celebration is being planned for a later date in Panama City, FL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either The Foundation of Community Hospice & Palliative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257, or to the St. Johns County Council on Aging at 180 Marine Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084.