Jerry Rodney Spink

Jerry enlisted in the army in 1945 and served his country with pride, even playing trombone in the US Army band. After his military service, he pursued his passion for education. He received his BA in Business from MSU and a Master's in Education from Wayne State University in 1955. Jerry began his teaching career in Manton, Michigan, before moving to Farmington. He then transitioned to administrative roles, becoming an assistant superintendent in Mason, Michigan, and later serving as superintendent in Potterville, Michigan for two years. However, Jerry found his true calling in the classroom and returned to Mason as a teacher until his retirement in 1984.

Beyond his professional achievements, Jerry was a dedicated member of the Mason Lions Club and the Methodist Church. He found joy in playing trombone in several community bands and the MSU Alumni band. His commitment to community service extended to delivering meals for Meals on Wheels. Jerry was also a remarkable blood donor, contributing 20 gallons of blood by the age of 65 and continuing to donate well into his 80s.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 75 years, Dorothy Spink, his children Merrilynn Smith (Spink), Lindsey and Jayne Hoxie (Spink), grandchildren Kevin Smith, Ali and Kristy Peyvandi (Smith), Kerry Smith, James and April Myers (Hoxie), Andrew and Sarah Hoxie, and Arden and Natasha Hoxie, and many great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Rodney and Rebecca Spink, his sister Janette Carico (Spink), and his son Gary Spink.

Jerry will be remembered for his dedication to education, his service to his country, and his unwavering commitment to his community. He touched the lives of many and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.