Jerald Freeman Kearney

Jerry was born October 2, 1947, in Camp Campbell, Kentucky. He spent his High School years in Clarkerange, Tennessee and enlisted in the US Army in 1968. He served as a classified military analyst with the Army Security Agency and stationed at Camp Alamo, South Korea. In 1968 Jerry was awarded the Soldier’s Medal for Valor, the National Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea) and was Honorably Discharged in 1969.

He was a graduate of the University of Alabama at Huntsville where he earned his degree in Electrical Engineering. He went on to obtain his Master of Electrical Engineering from the University of Alabama in Birmingham in 1977.

He began his career with Rust Engineering, in Birmingham, Alabama. Throughout the years, his company changed name and ownership many times; and Jerry remained with the same company for almost fifty years. He served at the highest levels of his profession – from Department Manager to Engineering Manager. He was a favorite member of every project team; an experienced and respected engineering consultant for his company, serving their clients all over the United States and internationally.

In addition to his work, Jerry enjoyed wonderful hobbies. Having traveled extensively he was an avid Birder and collected a ‘Life-List’ of having viewed and photographed over 750 different species of birds. He enjoyed everything about being in the great outdoors; running, biking, skiing in his early years; fishing, camping, kayaking, and outdoor photography in his later years. He was a skilled craftsman that could build a porch or a simple birdhouse with equal amounts of pleasure. As an avid reader (particularly about science and technology), he soon ventured into audible books. There was always a book playing in the car wherever he went. Jerry was an intelligent and interesting person who’s never stopped listening and learning. His love for God and his appreciation and awe of God’s natural world would only grow stronger over the years. He was humble, kind, and generous; a loving husband, stepfather, father-in-law, and much adored ‘Papa Jerry’ to his grandchildren; a loyal brother and friend to all that knew him. He woke each day with the knowledge of God’s hope, God’s peace, and God’s love. He loved his church home at Grace Lutheran in Mobile and all his church family who’s outpouring of care and prayer was so fervent throughout his illness and into his last days.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Marilyn, with whom he was married for twenty-four years; his sister, Cathy Kearney Barton; and two brothers Douglas M. Kearney and Jasper M. Kearney. He is survived by his two stepsons, Douglas Yarbrough Kennedy (Carla), Sean Michael Kennedy (Sarah); seven step-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren; his in-laws, Anthony J. Matranga, Nick Matranga, David Matranga, Julie and Don Neidhardt; multiple nieces, nephews, and special friends - especially the Rev. Dr. James and Norma Bridges.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 21, 2022 at 11:00AM at Grace Lutheran Church, 1356 Government Street, Mobile, Alabama 36604. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 10:00 AM.

Donations can be made in Jerry’s memory to the International Myeloma Foundation www.myeloma.org