Jerry Cash

Born in Athens, Jerry was a son of the late William Benjamin Cash Sr. and Christine Fowler Cash. He was a star athlete at Athens High School, competing in both football and track and field. The fall of the year was dedicated to football, where as a senior, he was named to the All-Georgia team. When spring rolled around, he dedicated himself to track and field, earning six individual school records by the time he graduated from high school. He continued to compete in two sports in college at the University of Alabama, earning a football scholarship and playing for the legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, while also breaking university records for decathlon and high jump. After graduating from college, he spent his career as an educator and coach in numerous cities for over 30 years, eventually settling in Oregon. With a never-ending desire to compete, Jerry began competing in track and field again when he turned 40. At the age of 46, he set a world record for his age group in the pole vault at 15 feet, 2 ½ inches, breaking his own world record 11 times. He competed in Masters track and field events from coast to coast. Coaching football in the fall and track and field in the spring, and needing something to occupy his time in the summer, always the adventurer, Jerry got involved in the rodeo and became a bull rider, strictly for entertainment. After retiring, he started Vault Inc., which trained high school athletes in track with an emphasis in pole vaulting. Jerry was inducted into the Athens Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers: Ronnie Cash and Ben Cash; and a sister, Patricia Cash Wheeler.

Survivors include daughter, Santina Marie Cash of Prescott, AZ; brother, Jim Cash of Bogart; and grandchildren: Julya Guzman and Versa Guzman; a number of nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service is planned for a later date.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.