Jerry Lynn Whitacre

Jerry Lynn Whitacre, D.D.S., age 72, of Upper Arlington, died suddenly Wednesday, May 26, 2010. He was born June 27, 1937 in Columbus and was a 1955 graduate of Linden McKinley High School, where he was the quarterback of the football team and played basketball. Jerry attended Muskingham College, where he played football and Otterbein College, where he played basketball, football, and held the long standing record for most points scored in a single football game, and was a member of Varsity O. A 1965 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, he was recognized and appreciated for his devoted service to the College of Dentistry and his contributions to dental education. Jerry taught on the faculty from 1966 until his retirement in 1995. He received the student College of Dentistry government teaching award on behalf of all students for excellence in teaching, and was a member of Psi Omega Dental Fraternity. For over 20 years he provided dental services to the Ohio Department of Youth Services. Jerry was a life member of the OSU Dental Alumni Assoc. and OSU Alumni Assoc., a member of The Ohio State University Presidents Club, Columbus Dental Veterans, Upper Arlington Civic Assoc., The Ohio State University Golf Club, and former member of Lakes Golf & Country Club, the Oaks, Sarasota, FL, American Dental Assoc., Ohio State Dental Assoc., Columbus Dental Society, and the Swim & Racquet Club. Jerry was a total athlete and enjoyed playing tennis and golf and loved to fish. He was an avid gardener and received first place for the “Backyard Award” from the Upper Arlington Garden Council. Other hobbies were collecting coins and stamps. He loved to travel and take cruises with his family and friends. Jerry was always a Buckeye. Preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Beatrice Whitacre; son, Paul; and grandson, Ben Deck. Jerry will be missed by his loving wife of 42 years, Honor; daughter, Laura Lynn (Brian) Deck, of Lewis Center; grandchildren, Cameron Paul and Honor Lauryn Deck; brother and sister-in-law, Nelson and Mary Embrey of Ashville; nieces and nephews and many loving friends. Funeral services 10am Saturday, May 29, 2010 at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Rd., Columbus, where family will receive friends today from 4-8pm. Interment in Green Lawn Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Jerry’s memory to The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, 305 W. 12th Ave., Columbus, OH 43210 or The Ohio State University Transplant Center, 770 Kinnear Rd., Ste 100, Columbus, OH, 43212. To view Jerry’s video tribute or offer condolences, visit www.schoedinger.com.