Jerry Willis Deal

Sumter, SC …. Jerry Willis Deal, Age 80, husband of the late Norma Villar Entrolizo Deal, died on Monday, March 17, 2025, at National Healthcare Sumter.

Born November 5, 1944, in Columbia, MS, he was the son of the late Willis Harry Deal and Ruby LaVelle Boyd Deal.  After high school, Jerry began his working career enlisting in the US Air Force.  He worked primarily as an aircraft mechanic and received numerous accommodation medals over the life of his career.  Jerry retired in 1986 as an MSGT after 20 years of service.  Next, Jerry worked for a brief period with the City of Sumter Water Department while he pursued and obtained a BA from Francis Marion University.  After obtaining his degree, Jerry went to work for Lee County High School as a social studies teacher.  He was most proud of the achievement of establishing an amateur television program at the high school.  Jerry was an avid HAM radio operator and was known by his call sign, K5FSS.  He was a member of the Old Timers Amateur Radio Club, Century Wireless Association, Wateree Amateur Radio Association, and was a lifetime member of the Francis Marion University Alumni Association.  He will be remembered as a very loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend.

He is survived by; one son, Gary Norman Deal and his wife Sandra of Sumter, SC; two daughters, Rona Lee Burke and her husband Jack of Sumter, SC, and LaDonna Natilie Millender and her husband John of DeRidder, LA; one sister, Mary Jane Smith of MS; ten grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a son, John Willis Deal, Jr., and a brother, Harry Deal.

A funeral Service will be held on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 3:00 pm in the Bullock Funeral Home Chapel.  Interment will follow the service at Sumter Cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, on Sunday, March 30, 2025, from 2:00 – 3:00 pm at Bullock Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, SC Chapter, 140 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 210 Columbia, SC 29210.

You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family’s guest book.

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements.

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