Jerry Ray Ficklin

He was born January 23, 1953 in Pekin to Henry Shirley and Etta Elceina (Crawford) Ficklin in Pekin. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Judy Duley; one brother and sister-in-law, James and Bua Ficklin and one nephew, Jimmie Ficklin, Jr.

Surviving are his son, Dr. Aaron (Theresa) Zimmeran of Marquette, Michigan; one sister, Jan (George) Craig of Fort Myers, Florida; two nephews, Carson Craig of Austin, Texas and Robert Ficklin of Salt Lake City, Utah; four nieces, Mary Ficklin LaPorte of Hollywood, Florida, Brittany Duley of Pekin, Holly (Pete) Fisher of Dunlap and Kimberly Ficklin of Lake Okeechobee, Florida; one great-nephew, Anthony (Britt) Fisher of East Peoria; one great-niece Andrea (Brandon) Vietor of Nashville, Tennessee; and his brother-in-law, James Duley of Pekin. He also leaves his best friend of 54 years, Gary Guile.

Jerry was a United States Navy veteran where he served nine years.

He had worked as a dishwasher, landscaper and laborer.

Jerry loved playing cards with both friends and family, listening to country music and working crossword puzzles. Jerry and his best friend Gary would often get lunch together.

Inurnment will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, with military rites accorded by the United States Navy and the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County. Cremation has been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com