Obituary of Jerry Baucom

Jerry Baucom, age 85, of North Fort Myers, returned home to the lord November 3, 2015 in Port Charlotte. He was born Nov. 15, 1929 in Fort Myers, FL, to the late John Fred and the late Ruby (Brown) Baucom. Jerry's heritage is well established as being from one of the first families to settle in the North Fort Myers / Immokalee area. Jerry grew up tending to the family dairy farm before and after school each day and that instilled a work ethic in him which was unmatched and unwavering. He married the love of his life, Erma Lee Harris on July 14 and remained a devoted and loving husband until her death in 2000. Jerry served his country honorably in combat during the Korean War and received his honorable discharge after his tours in Korea. Jerry was a distinguished truck driver, logging over 1 million miles during his career. He also enjoyed his small family farm and the animals that he raised; as he loved his animals and would care for them from sun up till sun down. Jerry was a loving father and took pride in his family. Jerry's true love was shown for his grandchildren, where he instilled his values and love of family to them; and then his great grandchildren that he cherished and bragged to others about constantly. Jerry was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing with his grandchildren. Jerry was also known as a jokester and was always one for laughter; and enjoyed gathering with friends for a meal or BBQ, as Jerry valued his time with family and friends. He was even known for waking up his granddaughters at 1 in the morning to go and get some Perkins pancakes; because he knew they loved them and he loved them without end. He was also an avid Football and Baseball fan; and he loved his Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Braves. Jerry was a simple man who was never seen without his Levis, western shirt, ball cap and his chewing tobacco. All of the people who knew or met Jerry during his life will attest to the fact that he was one of the most giving and caring persons ever. He was absolutely selfless and truly was the epitome of a man who would give the shirt off his back to another. He was a man of strong faith and loved attending church. Jerry would leave a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of meeting him. Jerry was known as "Papa" to those around him; and it was a true phrase, as he treated all who became known to him as family. To those that knew him, they can know, that they were the lucky ones; for a man like Jerry only comes around once in a great while. It is well known, that what will be missed the most with the passing of Jerry will be how he would light up a room, his strong laughter and sense of humor. He is survived by his four children: Debbie Brown (John), Theresa Baucom, Jerry Dean Baucom and Ronnie Baucom; his twin sister: Geraldine "Girl" Eiklor, grandchildren, Kenny Smith, Carl Whited, Christina Badali, Debbie Carroll, Beverly Brown, Nicole Thomas, Brandi Kimbrough, Andrea Baucom; great grandchildren, Ryan Long, Colton Smith, Emilie Badali, Shelby Badali, Daniella Badali, Samson Brown, Sara Brown, Penny Thomas and Presley Carroll as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Erma Baucom, grandchildren Danny "Booney" Whited and Mitchell Smith and eleven brothers and sisters. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 14, 2015 at 12:00 pm at the Eagles Nest Church, 14561 Palm Beach Blvd #54, Fort Myers, FL. Visitation will begin at 11 am. Interment will be in Alva Cemetery, Alva. After the interment, family and friends are invited for food and fellowship while we celebrate Jerrys life and legacy. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home, 13932 Palm Beach Blvd. - Fort Myers.