Gerald R. Cummings

CHAPIN – Gerald Royce Cummings (Lt. Col. retired, USAF), born in La Center, Washington on April 23, 1932 to Howard and Beulah Cummings, left this world to be with our Heavenly Father on July 25, 2016 in Columbia, SC.

Jerry spent his early years near Battleground, Washington and was the youngest of five siblings; the only one to complete college. Jerry entered the USAF after his graduation from Washington State, and was proud to have spent 28+ years serving our country. He began his career as a Navigator and became Chief Supply Officer before retiring on November 1, 1982. He taught overseas for Troy State until he returned to the US in 1987 and established homestead in Niceville, Florida.

Jerry met and married June C. Cornette Le Mieux on September 6, 1958 after his friend, her husband, was shot down flying in Japan. He adopted her two small children, Janis Le Mieux and Pepe Cummings, and raised them as his own. June and Jerry were blessed with two sons; Steven Cummings (Reann) of Ft. Collins, CO and Alan (Joytica) Cummings of Tiburon, CA.

June and Jerry loved to travel all over the US visiting friends and family and making new acquaintances.

June passed on July 28, 2007 and Jerry made his home in Chapin, SC.

Finding love late in life is a blessing, and Jerry found his with Ethel Baxley; they married on January 22, 2011. Jerry and Ethel enjoyed the last five plus years together laughing and teasing one another. His face lit up when she entered the room.

Jerry is predeceased by his parents, his four siblings and his first wife, June. He is survived by his wife, Ethel, his four children and six grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 30, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at the Lowman Home Chapel. The family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Inurnment will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.

Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Chapin Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.