Major Gerald "Jerry" McCullough Washabau

Jerry was born in Greensburg Pennsylvania, and attended Norwin High School. He met his devoted wife, Jill, at the Youth Group program of Country Hills UMC. For 45 years, together they lived a life of service to God, family and country. After completing high school, he attended Penn State where he earned a BA in Political Science and participated in the ROTC program. He joined the Army after graduation and served on active duty for 18 years before retiring and settling his family in the Irmo area.

After retirement, Jerry started his second career as the Senior Army Instructor of the JROTC programs at both Bethune and Lugoff-Elgin High School JROTC programs. He took pride in guiding youth and was always proud to see their accomplishments throughout their lives.

His service to God was seen in everything that he did. He was an active member of Union United Methodist Church for 30 years, where he served as a co-head usher and on the board of trustees. His service to the church not only involved work in his church and community, but he was also passionate about mission work abroad. He served on 2 trips to Haiti, 5 to Zimbabwe, 1 to South Africa and continued to nurture that work through support and the friendships he made.

Jerry’s love for his family was always present. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He valued the time spent with his family above all else. He enjoyed spending time on the lake with his son Nick, daughter-in-law Jessica and grandson Drew.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Jill Washabau, his son Nicholas (Jessica) Washabau a grandson, Drew Washabau and brothers, Doug Washabau and Richard Washabaugh (Emily). He is predeceased by his parents, Welty M. and Roberta T. Washabau, and his sister Susie (Rex) Ferguson.

Jerry aka the Major or just Maj enjoyed the many years of students that he taught. He would leave all of his change under the passenger side floor mat of his red Mustang for any student who needed lunch money. He walked 3 of his students down the aisle as a father figure. So much love and gratitude by his students for him can be found on Facebook.

Services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Union United Methodist Church, with visitation to follow the service. Burial will be held at 2:00 pm in Fort Jackson National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Union UMC - Zimbabwe Missions.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com