Walter "Jerry" Jerome Brock

Walter Jerome (Jerry) Brock, a Vietnam veteran, passed away September 4, 2021. Jerry as many knew him was born in Columbia, SC July 29, 1946 to Walter Carlos and Helen Gulledge Brock. He grew up in the Columbia area and graduated from Lower Richland High School, Class of 1965. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1966. He served with the 380th Security Police Squadron at Plattsburgh AFB, NY. During that time, the Air Force established a specially trained light infantry/Ranger unit, the 820th Combat Security Police Squadron (Operation SAFESIDE). He served with the 822nd from August 1968 to March 1969 and was especially proud of being sniper trained.

Two nights after his return from Vietnam, the Lord lead him to talk with a nursing student with a “beautiful smile and a joyful laugh”. They stayed in touch and two months later became engaged. After his discharge in January, he returned to Plattsburgh. They married June 27, 1970.

They moved back to Columbia where he worked with AAFES Warehouse Maintenance and later Westinghouse NFD. Cooking for family and friends had become more than his hobby when the Lord lead the family to Asheville Buncombe Technical College. He earned an Associate’s degree in Culinary and Hotel Restaurant Management. As a student, he worked at Grove Park Inn and managed the food service operation for Crest Ridge Girls Camp. After graduation, he worked at Country Club of Asheville.

December 1981, the Lord lead him to apply for work with the soon to open Hyatt Regency Greenville where he worked for a total of 27 years until his retirement in 2014. The Lord took him to Furman University dining services for almost 5 years where he used his mass production skills.

Since his retirement, he has enjoyed going to yard sales, flea markets and thrift stores. He also enjoyed getting out and sharing with other veterans (especially other Vietnam vets) about the results of Agent Orange exposure. Of course, he continued to use his God given gifts in many capacities throughout his life including food prep, scout leader, professional organizations, church activities. His real passion since retirement, were veterans and those who serve us. He was an active member of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 523, serving at chapter and state levels.

His parents, Walter Carlos and Helen G Brock, predecease him. He is survived by his wife of 51 years Doris, his children Dorothy S Waldrop of Greenville, Walter Jon Brock (Cecillia) of Travelers Rest, and his brother, Robert M. Brock (Catherine) of Melbourne Beach, FL. Family, friends and the community will miss him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA CHAPTER 523: send to P.O. Box 3862, Greenville, SC 29608 or to a charity of your choice.

Again, we feel the Lord’s love, care, and guidance for us as He has released Jerry from the stress of declining health and abilities.