Jerry Edward Seigel

Jerry Edward Seigel of Vestavia, AL was born on February 28, 1930, and died May 16, 2023 at age 93. Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee to Ida and Lester H. Seigel, the family moved to Bessemer, Alabama, eventually settling in Mountain Brook where Jerry graduated from Ramsay High School, class of 1948. After attending the University of Alabama for one semester he was called home when his father became too ill to work. Alongside his mother Ida, a young Jerry began traveling the Southeast, his father’s territory representing the Wolff Shoe Company of St. Louis MO. He was a natural salesman and would hold that job for fifty years, calling on retail customers until his retirement in 2000. When not on the road selling shoes, Jerry’s weekends were all about golf. His father taught him the game that would remain a passion his entire life. As a young man he chaired the golf committee at Hillcrest Country Club and when that nine-hole Birmingham club merged with the swim and tennis Fairmont Club, Jerry’s golf dream was realized. With the help of architect George Cobb, Jerry and fellow members designed an eighteen-hole championship golf course and club with tennis, pool and banquet space. Pine Tree Country Club was founded in 1968 and has close to one thousand member families today. Named for the ubiquitous trees on the wooded property, Jerry thought the name should be The Miracle Country Club, noting it was an “absolute miracle” it had been built. Pine Tree has hosted numerous local, statewide and regional golf championships. On one proud April day in 1978, former President Gerald R. Ford, PGA superstar Arnold Palmer and University of Alabama’s Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant along with others played an exhibition round to an adoring gallery. Jerry won championships himself but most enjoyed organizing tournaments and keeping the course in top condition. He was an esteemed member of the Birmingham Golf Association, a past president of the organization and a member of its Hall of Fame.

Anyone lucky enough to know Jerry Seigel, found him ebullient, charismatic and optimistic. He was a loyal friend, often helping in quiet ways that made a tremendous difference to others’ lives. His family and friends will dearly miss his sunny disposition and sense of humor. Survivors include: his sister, Estelle Silverstein of Mountain Brook Alabama; mother of his three children, Ferne Seigel of Vestavia AL; sons Lester (Jane) Seigel of Mountain Brook, Alan Seigel (Rhonda Smith) of Birmingham AL, daughter Jennifer (Drew) Kanter of New York, NY. Grandchildren include Amy & Clint Dillard, Jenny & Kerry McInerney, Daniel Seigel & Jessie Mayne, all of Birmingham, Will Kanter of New York NY and Ben Kanter of Washington DC. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Grafman Endowment Fund of Temple Emanu-El, 2100 Highland Avenue Birmingham, AL or the TWO TEN Footwear Foundation, www.twoten.org.

Following a private ceremony at the cemetery, there will be a memorial service at Temple Emanu-El on Sunday, May 21 at 3:00 PM, with Rabbi Adam Wright & Cantor Robbie Wittner officiating. A shiva reception will follow at 4:00 PM in Abroms Hall at the synagogue.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridouts.com for the Seigel family.