Jerald W. "Jerry" Pilcher, 68, died August 10, 2014 at his home in Panama City, Florida.

A memorial service is scheduled for 3 pm Thursday, August 14 at Wilson Funeral Home in Panama City. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2 – 3 p.m. prior to the service.

He was born in Birmingham, Alabama and graduated from Campbell High School in Smyrna, Georgia. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Valdosta State College and his Masters in Education from Florida State University, where he also was a doctoral candidate. He was a member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and Pass Christian Yacht Club where he served as Commodore.

Jerry began his teaching career at Valdosta High School where he became head of the Art Department. After spending many interim years in sales, he returned to his love of teaching, finishing his career at South Walton High School, Gulf Coast Community College and Barry University.

Mr. Pilcher is survived by his brother, William C. Pilcher; his daughter, Virginia Pilcher Kelley, her husband Scott, their children Ben and Kate; and a boatload of nieces and nephews.

Jerry loved St. Andrews Bay, painting, glass blowing, teaching art, sailing, scuba, snorkeling, rescue cats, playing drums, Varsity chili steaks, FSU football, hand sanitizer, Honda scooters, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Jimmy Buffet, Crocs, Dollar Tree, Publix, sunvisors and Fox News. Most of all he loved his family and the "boys in the hood" who were his second family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Humane Society of Bay County, www.adoptme.org or P.O. Box 883, Panama City, FL 32402.