Gerald Clifton Letterman

Gerald Clifton “Jerry” Letterman, 74, of Raleigh was called into the more immediate presence of our Lord on Wednesday, July 5, 2023. He left this world in the arms of the love of his life, his wife of 43 years, Kay Ferguson Letterman.

Jerry was born to Roy Vester Letterman and Virginia Frances Watson on Jan 29, 1949 in Richmond, Virginia but grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina. Following his graduation from Southeast Guilford High School in 1967, Jerry attended UNC Chapel Hill before being drafted into the US Army and serving as a Sergeant in Vietnam.

After an honorable discharge, Jerry worked for ENSCO Supply Company as District Sales Manager for Eastern North Carolina. After 37 years of faithful service, he retired on March 1, 2013. Following retirement, Jerry took up a post as supervisor of beach relations at North Myrtle Beach. His duties included overseeing the beach from his balcony, making sure the surf rolled in on time as well as watching the sun go down every evening - duties that he performed with outstanding distinction.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Kay Ferguson Letterman, of the home; son James “Jim”, wife Jo and grandson Levi; son Philip “Phil”; sister Dorothy Letterman Bishop; and son Jacob, wife Claudia and grandsons John and Nickolas. In addition to his parents, Jerry was predeceased by his sisters Leona Letterman Miller, Evelyn Letterman Smith, and brother Roy “Lee” Letterman.

Jerry was a man who loved his family fiercely, a gentle giant with a heart of gold. He was a Past Master of James B. Green Lodge #735, AF&AM; a member of Amran Shrine, Raleigh Scottish Rite, and Dogwood Court #11, Order of the Amaranth. Driven by his desire to help his community, Jerry served in leadership roles in many organizations. For over 25 years he served on the State Executive Committee for the Grand Assembly of North Carolina, International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, and in recognition of his many years of dedicated service, Jerry was honored with the Grand Cross of Color. In addition to being a Shriner, Jerry was the Director of the Amran Shrine Rag Tops unit driving his prized convertible Corvette in parades all over the Carolinas in an effort to raise money for Shriners Children’s Hospital because Jerry recognized that "No man stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child."

Visitation will be Sunday, July 9, 2023, from 6PM - 8PM, and a funeral service will follow on Monday, July 10, 2023, at 1PM at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 831 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27604 with burial at Montlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 950 W. Faris Rd. Greenville, SC 29605.