Jerry Taylor Rouse

Jerry was born July 7, 1946, in Wilmington, NC to the late Norwood Frank Rouse and Elizabeth Brinkley Rouse. He was predeceased by his brother David Sterling Rouse.

Jerry graduated from New Hanover High School and earned a Bachelor's degree in history from Wilmington College (now UNC-W). He served his country in the Intelligence Division of the US Army and was stationed in Okinawa during the Viet Nam War. He was honorably discharged.

There were many fond memories for Jerry growing up in Wilmington. His time playing little league for Mr. Wilson's Hanover Center team, shooting skeet and traveling for competitions and earning his pilot's license. From the time he was 9 years old Jerry fell in love with the game of golf, played as often as he could and never lost interest in the game. For many years he played with his group at Muni and was known to be quite a talented competitor in his day. Jerry loved music and especially liked to whistle along. In particular, he loved instruments and enjoyed playing a variety of them. Luckily, he passed his love of music onto his children, along with many of his other interests.

At a young age Jerry began cooking by pulling a step stool up to the stove, against his mother's wishes, as he was too young to see over the burners. While in college he began working at The Gray Gables and thus his journey with the food industry began. Jerry was a student of classic French cuisine. He pored over his beautiful collection of classic French tomes and took correspondence courses through the Culinary Institute of New York. He never stopped adding to his vast knowledge of the culinary arts long after his restaurant career ended. During his early career at The Gray Gables, Jerry had the privilege of competing in culinary competitions whereby Culinary Olympic Chefs participated. He actually placed twice!

Later, Jerry was invited to head up the kitchen at Figure 8 Island when that development was beginning to grow. They grew together. Jerry loved his time at Figure 8 and made many lasting relationships. From there he opened Eight Eleven Mercer in midtown and soon moved near the beach to open Jerry's Food Wine and Spirits. Alongside his restaurant career, Jerry was known far and wide for his caterings in which he took great care and pride to provide the best experience he could.

Jerry's quick wit brought laughter to many. He was a very funny man. He loved the company of family and friends and enjoyed communicating his love through the offering of food. He enjoyed making happy memories with good food and good cheer.

Jerry was deeply loved by his family. He had a big heart and gave of himself in many ways.

Surviving him is his wife, Helen; his son, Taylor, and his wife, Brooke, and their daughter, Mary Emerson; and his daughter, Elise. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Norman Akel, and sister-in-law, Corena Akel, both of whom he was very close to.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at St. James Episcopal Church. A reception will immediately follow the service in the Great Hall.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to St. James Church, NC Nourish, St. Jude Children's Hospital or a charity of your choice.