Obituary of Gerald Edward Meyer

Gerald Edward Meyer, 65, of Charlotte, North Carolina died peacefully at home on Tuesday, December 15, 2020. He was diagnosed with both late Stage III Lung Cancer and late Stage III Kidney Cancer on July 17, 2020. Known affectionately as Jerry, he was born on Thursday, September 15, 1955, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to John Mansfield Meyer, Sr. and Rosalyn Boyles Meyer McCabe, both now deceased. He was named after his paternal grandmother, Geraldine (Gerri) Schuster Meyer.

After graduating from high school, Jerry attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge where he befriended his wife, Sandra Elaine Palmer. Their romance budded when they both moved to Jerry's hometown, and on December 16, 1978 Jerry married his heart's desire and kindred spirit. They shared a special, lasting love. Their adventures across the country were almost too good to be true.

Jerry completed his bachelor's degree in finance at University of Houston. After working successfully as a land lease negotiator, he stepped out of the workforce to care for his two sons while Sandra enjoyed her career. Jerry was a brave man blazing trails as a stay-at-home dad in 1980. Once the boys were healthy , Jerry went to graduate school to become a certified teacher. He was a beloved high school English teacher, well known for his quick wit, caring heart, and playful spirit.

Jerry and Sandra married in Houston, Texas and lived in Jersey Village for almost 20 years. Both of their sons were born in Houston. Gerald Palmer Meyer arrived in 1979 followed by Patrick Alexander Meyer in 1983.

Jerry was a helpful volunteer in the elementary school library and served countless hours coaching both little league soccer and basketball. In Houston he started teaching high school English at Second Baptist School in 1993. After their eldest son, Gerald, graduated from Second Baptist in 1998, Jerry moved to Charlotte to be with Sandra who transferred there the previous year.

In Charlotte Jerry helped many students develop their writing skills at both Charlotte Christian School (1998-2006) and United Faith Christian Academy (2009-2011). He worked as a volunteer tutor in Cincinnati, Ohio in the intervening years. Jerry moved three times: from Houston to Charlotte to Cincinnati and back, to support Sandra's career. What a match they were!

Jerry was a talented cook and routinely prepared delicious meals (including vegan) for his family and for those in need. He was a volunteer at the Casting Bread Food Pantry in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, where he and Sandra lived after retirement. They returned to Charlotte when a "local" grandchild was born.

A born dog lover, Jerry was well-recognized in all his neighborhoods as well as on certain Blue Ridge Parkway trails. He was an avid walker/hiker with his cherished schipperke dogs. The four pups, Rocky and Velvet through 2009 and then Bourree and Rocket, enjoyed multiple walks a day exploring the streets, trails and parks. Even at home, Jerry was rarely seen without a dog afoot.

His two sons are both dog lovers and handy in the kitchen. Gerald and Patrick also continue Jerry's legacy as devoted husbands and fathers.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Sandra Palmer Meyer, of his home; his children: Gerald Palmer Meyer and his wife, Lorilin, and their children: Jude, Elise and Oren Meyer, all of Wilmette, Illinois, and Patrick Alexander Meyer and his wife, Ryan (Missy) Helton Meyer, and their children: Mabel Elaine and Margaret Ann Meyer, all of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Jerry is also survived by his one brother, John Mansfield Meyer, Jr. of Jacksonville, Florida; nephew, Michael Meyer of Suwanee, Georgia; cousins: the Weils in Texas, Florida, California and Hawaii; as well as Sandra's sisters and extended family who shared many fun times with Jerry.

The family wishes to thank the many supportive friends who provided prayers and encouragement during Jerry's illness and to Hospice and Palliative Care - Charlotte for their gentle care.

Jerry was a member of United Methodist Churches for 30 years, most recently Sedgefield United Methodist Church in Charlotte. 

A private family memorial service will be held at Sedgefield UMC let by Pastor Jim Brookshire. Senior Pastor of Central UMC in Concord, Carol Carkin, will assist. 

After COVID 19 restrictions are lifted, a celebration honoring Jerry's life will be held.

A lover of our planet, Jerry believed saving our environment is the key to sustaining life for all earthly beings. Please direct any memorial gifts to the Environmental Defense Fund, 1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW Suite 600, Washington, DC 20009, www.edf.org or to Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, 717 S. Marshall Street Suite 105B Winston Salem, NC 27101, www.brpfoundation.org.

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