Gerald Comer

(Ret) Gerald “Jerry” Comer, age 87, resident of Columbus, died on Monday, January 13, 2014 at his residence. Funeral services at Edgewood Hall of Striffler-Hamby, Columbus on Friday, January 17, 2014, 2 p.m. with Reverend Roy White and Reverend Eric Sizemore officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at Parkhill Cemetery. The family will receive friends with reception at the funeral home on Thursday, January 16, 2014 from 5-7 p.m. SGM Comer was born July 7, 1926 in Bartow, Florida but grew up in Ray City, Georgia. He was the son of the late Janie and Audley Comer. SGM Comer was retired from the U.S. Army where he served his country honorably for over 29 years. During his distinguished career, he served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. He was awarded numerous medals and ribbons to include the Bronze Star for Valor device and OLC; Legion of Merit; Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal w/1OLC; and Vietnam Service Medal w/bronze star. SGM Comer had the distinct honor to served in the OLD GUARD, Honor Company at Fort Myer (Arlington Cemetery) where he met and married Gladys Pritchard (a member of the WAC) at Fort Myer. After retiring from the military, he worked at Fort Benning, Georgia and organized the Learning Centers as a civilian. SGM Comer was a member of Living Grace UMC (formerly Edgewood UMS). He was a devout student of the Bible and led many bible studies and taught Sunday School while attending Wesley Heights UMC. SGM Comer was preceded in death by his brothers, Hubert (went down on the USS Rich during WWI), Harold Comer, James Comer, and beloved brother-in-law, Al Garner. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Gladys Pritchard Comer; a daughter, Linda Smith and her husband Terry of Augusta, Georgia; a son, SMSgt (USAF Ret) Larry Comer and his wife Becky of Crestview, Florida; one brother, Murray Comer and his wife Jane of Madison, Florida; two sisters, Millie Garner of Baxley, Georgia, Barbara Carter and her husband Ike of Hayesville, Kansas; a loving sister-in-law, Margie Brucker and her husband Bruck of Cincinnatti, Ohio; his granddaughters, Angelia “Ada” Cates and her husband Larry of Greenville, South Carolina, Jessica Bolyard and her husband Scott of Appling, Georgia, Ashley Woodard and her husband Mark of Aiken, South Carolina; his grandsons, Jeremy Comer and Joel Comer, (Matt) of Charlotte, North Carolina; four great-granddaughters, Shelby Jo Cates, Ashley Marie Woodard, Leah May Bolyard, Cadence Rose Woodard; one great-grandson, John Warren Woodard; many loving nieces and nephews; two Godsons, Michael Frye and Trey Meares; many dear friends and adopted family “The Family.”

Jerry was loved by many and known by many names, Jerry, Dad, “Diddy,” Grandpa Jerry, Grandpa, and Great-Grandpa. Flowers are accepted or contributions can be made to Gentiva Hospice, 2425 Williams Road, Columbus or Patriot Guard c/o Rob Butler, 6103 Canterbury Drive, Columbus, Georgia 31909.