Jerry Clay Tickle

As a child, Jerry played little league baseball, and attended Creel Elementary. He and his parents, Clay and Geraldine Tickle were actively involved in Boy Scouts. His love for the outdoors helped push him into becoming an Eagle Scout. He graduated in the 1st graduating class from Eau Gallie High School in 1963.

After graduation, he left home to serve four years in the United States Navy. He was stationed in Sigonella, Italy. Once returning to Melbourne he was hired as a Firefighter. He drove the engine for many years and then was promoted to Lieutenant. After serving 28 years, Jerry retired on December 12, 1997 from the City of Melbourne Fire Department. As soon as the retirement party ended he immediately left for a hunting trip in Georgia. Hunting was his passion and he loved being in the woods. To him it was great to shoot a deer or hog so he could bring home a meal for his family. He loved being out in nature. He would simply use the time spent in a tree stand to think and plan his next home project.

He loved Nascar racing and was a huge Dale Earnhardt Sr fan. He attended races at Daytona, Darlington SC, and Atlanta Ga. He enjoyed camping and often took trips to the mountains.

He was blessed in 1998 with the birth of his grandson, Kody. It meant the world to him hunting, fishing, going to little league games, football games, and wrenching on four-wheelers, go-carts, and even Kody’s first pickup truck.

Jerry loved to cook. He read a lot. His favorites were old Western’s. On TV he watched War movies, and Western’s when he could find them. His hero was John Wayne. In retirement, he spent a lot of his time with his wife and family, as well as caring for his aging mother who is 93.

He enjoyed helping others whenever he could