Gerald M. Shaver

Gerald “Jerry”, 84, passed away Wednesday, March 23 in his home at River Landing at Sandy Ridge. He had cancer ten times in twenty-one years, but could not survive this last episode.

He was a World War II veteran, having been drafted out of High School in early 1945. He served in the Pacific and was discharged in October 1946. In January 1947, he married his High School sweetheart, Shirley Robinson. In August 1948, he entered North Carolina State University and in 1952 he received his degree in Textiles. Positions took him to Georgia, South Carolina and Virginia. In Clarksville, Virginia he spearheaded a group to build a Dixie Youth Baseball park for children twelve years and under. The Jaycees named him “Boss of the Year” for his efforts. Before moving to Greensboro in 1970, the Park was named Shaver Field in his Honor. In 1983, Jerry and Shirley began their own textile company. Though it was successful, he sold it in 1990 after several bouts with cancer. They were Hospice volunteers for fourteen years. In 1993, they established the first charitable remainder trust, a gift that helped inspire Hospice to create a planned giving program, Summit Society. Jerry was an avid golfer, which he continued to enjoy in his retirement living at River Landing.

He was preceded in death by his parents and seven brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife, Shirley of 64 years; daughter, Suzanne and spouse, John Cranford of Greensboro; son, Gary of Randleman; son, Stephen and his wife, Karen of the University of the South in Swamee, Tennessee and one super grandson, Daniel, a student at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon.

A Service of Remembrance will be held at River Landing at Sandy Ridge on Saturday, March 26 at 3p.m. Memorials can be made to the Employee Appreciation Fund at River Landing and can be mailed to Sun Trust Bank, 1575 John Knox Drive, Colfax, NC 27235 or made to the Dixie Youth Baseball for Shaver Field, P.O. Box 522, Clarksville, VA 23927. The family will greet friends following the Service.

Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel is assisting the Shaver family

Online condolences may be made to haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com