Jerry Dortch

Jerry Dortch, passed into the eternal presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the early morning hours of May 15, 2025, at the age of 83 years. He was born to Clyde and Dolores Hatley Dortch in Paragould, Arkansas, August 31, 1941. On July 14, 1963, he was united in marriage to Rebecca Sue Waldon. They became parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents of a son, two daughters, five grandsons, two granddaughters, two great grandsons, and four great granddaughters.

Jerry was preceded in death by his mother and father, three infant brothers, Charles Robert, Larry and Baby Dortch; and one sister, Cathie Dortch. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Rebecca; their son Lance Dortch of Springfield, Missouri; their two daughters Dalneiche Sary of Cartersville, Georgia and Chaltel (Doug) Belcher of Jenkins, Kentucky; his sister Jan Griffith of Cartersville, Georgia; their grandchildren and great grandchildren: Zachary Sary of Cartersville Georgia, Rebekah (Matt) Carpenter & her son Brooks Valk of Gainesville, Georgia, Zane (Chelsea) Sary & their daughters Margot & Juniper of Kingsport, Tennessee, and Savannah Sary & her son Sutton Sary of Cartersville, Georgia, Robert (Brittan) Tidwell & their daughters Rowan & Reagan; Griffin Dortch of Springfield, Missouri; Dakota Belcher of Jenkins, Kentucky.

Jerry loved God and his family. He never met a stranger. His love was unconditional and without reservation. He spent much of his adult life wanting to lead everyone to the Jesus that saved him.

Jerry loved the Arkansas Razorbacks, win or lose. His favorite foods were white beans, Mexican cornbread, banana pudding, and peanut butter cookies which he never turned down.

Jerry and Rebecca were in ministry together most of their married life, having pastored in Arkansas, Missouri, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. They were missionaries to Mexico over four years in the 1970s, where they established several churches. They remained faithful ministers of the gospel until he had failing health in 2023, after having pastored The Gathering Place in Cartersville for the previous ten years. Apostle Jerry was a co-founder of the Apostolic School of Ministry, with headquarters in Huntsville, Alabama. As a representative of Apostolic School of Ministry, he helped found a Bible College in Thailand. Jerry and Rebecca came to Cartersville, Georgia in 1985 to co-found New Covenant Christian Academy alongside Pastor Kenneth Meadors. They found their permanent earthly home in Cartersville, but he is now a permanent resident of heaven in the presence of Jesus.

A Celebration of Life for Jerry will be on May 24, 2025 at 11:00 am with visitation to follow at New Covenant Church 5425 Covenant Dr SE, Cartersville, GA 30121.