Lt. Jerry G. Powers retired this month after 27 years of service. Powers has been stationed at Cecil Field the majority of his career, with his most final tour with the Gladiators of VFA 106. His career reflects many achievements since his enlistment June of 1962 as he came up through the enlisted ranks as an aviation electrician’s mate to be commissioned as a warrant officer and eventually be promoted to lieutenant. His many tours included such commands as VA 34 where he was deployed on the USS Intrepid, USS Randolph and USS Forrestal; VA 174; VA 81 where he was deployed on the USS Saratoga and USS Forrestal; VA 105 COMLATWING 1 where he was a member of the F/A – 18 Fleet Introduction Team Maintenance Staff, and VQ 3. He has earned five Good Conduct Awards, a Navy Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation (three awards) Navy Unit Commendation (two awards), the Battle “E” (three awards) and the Navy Achievement Medal.
At VFA 106, Powers was training officer before being transferred to the maintenance department as the avionics/armament division officer. During his retirement ceremony, Powers wife Betty was presented with a certificate from the Navy in recognition of her unfailing and unselfish support of her husband’s career as well as a personal letter of appreciation from the commanding officer with a bouquet of roses. Powers was then presented with the traditional doghouse depicting his many accomplishments and his Citation of Meritorious Service.
Jerry G. (Pepaw) Powers, 77 years old, born in Dexter, Missouri April 19, 1942, passed away on August 2, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. Jerry was in the United States Navy for 27 years, from 1962-1989 and a lifetime member of VFW Post 5968. When he retired he went to work M & T 1989-2007, where he continued to work with the Navy. Jerry’s passions were bowling and fishing where he made numerous lifetime friendships. Jerry loved being around family and friends.
Jerry is predeceased by both parents; Mary L. Powers and Norman Powers, Wife, Vesta R. Powers, sister, Rebecca Elaine Powers, son, Loyd Powers and daughter, Melissa Powers. He is survived by his daughter, Evelyn (Wayne) Caves, brother’s; Norman David Powers (Florence) and Roger Stephen Powers, grandchildren; Ashley Merryman (William), Ryan Caves (Tanya) and Conner Powers great grandchildren; Connor, Cadence, Cillian, Carrigan, Constance and Colson Merryman.
Jerry was loved by all and will be greatly missed.
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