Jerry Sexton DeRieux

Jerry S. DeRieux passed away peacefully at his home on December 5, 2019. He was born in Birmingham Alabama on January 6, 1932. He was a Christian and a member of Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Robert S. DeRieux and Barbara A. DeRieux, and his brothers Robert P. DeRieux and Fredrick DeRieux. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Virginia, his daughter, Debora Golden, sons Randy (Karen) and Richard (Susan). He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Ryan DeRieux (Lindsey), Bridget Barnett (Brad), Christian DeRieux (Brooke), Laura Golden, Chandler DeRieux and six great grandchildren, Leah Barnett, Beau Barnett, Anna Leigh DeRieux, Jack DeRieux, Lena DeRieux and Lily DeRieux. He was a most devoted husband, loved his family dearly and cherished every moment he spent with them. He will be dearly missed, but we can look forward to being with him again in Heaven. Jerry had a distinguished athletic and professional career. After placing first in the mile run for the State of Alabama in 1948, Jerry graduated from Woodlawn High School at age 16 and attended The University of Alabama on a track scholarship where he had the privilege of competing on the track and field team which brought the first Southeastern Conference track and field championship in history to the University of Alabama. While in college he served in the Air Force ROTC and after graduation completed active duty in Washington DC. Thereafter he served 30 years in the Air Force Reserves attaining the rank of Lt. Colonel before retiring from the reserves. He had a successful career of over 30 years at Vulcan Materials Company, retiring as Comptroller of the Southern Division and as an adjunct professor of Accounting at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The family would like to thank his wonderful and compassionate caregivers, Nikki, Tonya and Mary, and the Oasis hospice group for their care over these last months of Jerry's life. Visitation will be Monday December 9, 2019 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Elwood Chapel Funeral home with a celebration of Jerry’s life following at 2:00 PM. Final burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please give to the church or charity of your choice.

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