Virgil "Butch" Jerrell

Reverend Virgil “Butch” Rentz Jerrell, Jr., 80, passed away in the presence of his loving family, church members, and friends on October 15, 2026 at Baptist Medical Center Hospice in Jacksonville, Florida following a rapid fight with cancer.

He was born on June 24,1946, in Jacksonville, Florida to the late Virgil Rentz Jerrell, Sr. and Vera Belle (Norris) Jerrell.

Butch attended Robert E. Lee Senior High School where he felt the call to be a Pastor. He went on to Aurora University in Aurora, Illinois where he studied theology. A beach lover, he moved back to Florida to begin his ministry where he not only worked with youth but also became a teacher in Suwannee County. Through the years Pastor Butch followed the call to minister in several Florida cities including Live Oak, Orlando, and Jacksonville.

He was most commonly known as Pastor Butch, having served as an ordained minister of the Florida Conference of Advent Christian Churches for over 50 years. He faithfully answered the Lord's call and continued to preach until he was called home to be with his Savior. For the past 30 years, he served as the devoted pastor of Friendship Community Church. Steadfastly anchored to the inerrant Word of God, he faithfully shepherded his church by preaching truth without compromise, leading his congregation through every season with humility, biblical clarity, and deep love.

As his loving wife beautifully shared, “You are a spiritual father to many young people who, for all practical purposes, were fatherless. God bless you for the guidance and profound influence you have had on their lives.”

In addition to Pastoring, Butch also used his musical talents to lead the choir in worship as well as sharing his vocal talents with his congregation. He took his role as shepherd by visiting with the sick and hurting and counseling those in need anytime he was called for aid.

Pastor Butch also actively participated in the Advent Christian Conference where he served as the President of the Eastern district of Advent Christian Churches, the Vice-President on the Florida Conference board of Advent Christian Churches, a member of the Pastor's Lead Team, and a participant in the Eastern District Pastor's monthly breakfast meeting. Additionally, he served on the board at the Advent Christian Village for Senior Living.

A true pillar of his community, Butch lived a life dedicated to serving others and pointing everyone he met toward Christ. Since 1995, he led and mentored countless men within the AA community, never turning away anyone in need—a mission that remained deeply close to his heart. His dedication extended to his local neighborhood, where he served on the Chimney Lakes Homeowners Association Board for decades, striving to make the community a joyful place for all. He also taught at the local High School, Nathan Bedford Forest Senior High School, serving at-risk students.

In his later years, Butch began another ministry working with the homeless, meeting people exactly where they were and mentoring them to reach their goals. His faith was active and unceasing; every Sunday on his way to preach, he would fill multiple carloads with people, bringing them along to learn about Jesus.

Virgil “Butch” Jerrell was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol Jerrell. His brother Tommy Jerrell; sisters Vera Jerrell, Virginia (Jenny) Fletcher and Cheri Parramore; nephew Timmy Jerrell and niece Deborah Toliver. He is survived by his nieces Pennie McGuire, Janet Globis (Gary), Melinda Jerrell, and Brenda Thomas. Nephews Mannie Fletcher, Russell Fletcher (Delilah), Mark Fletcher (Rose) and many loving great nieces and nephews. His sister-in-law Susan Wilson Smith (Bobby); three nieces Laurel Wilson Herrera (Victor), Whitney Wilson Levin (Mark) and Carla Smith Rhudy (Austin).

Pastor Butch leaves behind a lasting legacy not only through his surviving family but also through the countless spiritual sons and daughters he mentored, guided, and led to Christ over his decades of ministry. He was a true spiritual father to his congregation, and his impact will be felt for generations.

Visitation will be held at West Jacksonville Advent Christian Church, 8376 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32221, US, on October 22, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am, followed by the Funeral Service at the same location from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

A Committal Service will take place at Riverside Memorial Park, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205, US, on October 22, 2026, from 11:00 am to 11:30 am.