Gerald 'Jerry' Joe Gully

Gerald ‘Jerry’ Joe Gully, age 74 of Barry, IL, while surrounded by his loving family, peacefully went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, October 8, 2023, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.

Jerry was born October 9, 1948, in Hannibal, MO, the youngest of three children born to Lloyd and Leila Wright Gully. Raised in Barry, Jerry was a 1966 graduate of Barry High School. After graduation, Jerry moved to Kansas City to work at Hallmark Cards but later returned to Barry where in 1968 he would meet the love of his life, Audrey Fish. They married July 1, 1969, and were blessed with three loving children: Maria Ann, Justin Ryan and Sara Renee.

Jerry worked for his Uncle Bill Gully and went on to farm with his Grandpa Joe Gully from 1971 to 1973. He then moved his family to St. Louis, MO and later to Dow, IL while driving for Wilson Freight until its closure in 1980. Returning to Barry, Jerry’s hobby of raising foxes became a family business with Audrey and their children all participating. Jerry educated himself in fox genetics and artificial insemination, even going to Manitoulin Island, Canada to teach artificial insemination. He met many people while participating in live fox shows, delivering feed, and hauling foxes for others. All the while, he shared his knowledge of foxes and continued learning from other fox ranchers and made some lifelong friends along the way. When fur prices dropped, Jerry returned to truck driving and drove for several local companies before driving for Yellow Freight in St. Louis and later in Oklahoma City from where he retired in 2014. Jerry and Audrey then moved back to their hometown of Barry to be close to family and friends.

Jerry was an outdoorsman. Many of his work vacations and free time were spent fishing, hunting and trapping. Jerry held dear memories of when he and his brother, Lanny trapped together. Jerry also enjoyed putting in a large garden and sharing its bounty with others. With Jerry and his many adventures in life, Audrey was sure to be by his side. Jerry was an outgoing social person who if you once met you would likely not forget. He never met a stranger. He could be ornery at times and was very outspoken. He had a heart of gold when it came to his family and helping others. Jerry was a member of Grace Baptist church in Pittsfield, IL. He loved the Lord, his church and family and drew great strength from them when his life changed drastically in 2016 when he had a hemorrhagic (bleeding) stroke while delivering a semi load in Overland Park, KS. It would be weeks before Audrey could take Jerry home and that was with the loving help from their son, Justin and dear daughter-in-law, Nikkie until a time came when Audrey could care for Jerry on her own. Jerry faced many hills and valleys, but Audrey was always by his side and with the prayers of many to see him through. Jerry never walked again.

Jerry was at his happiest when his children and grandchildren filled the home. He loved being PaPa and they brought him great joy. When able, he also enjoyed going to church, out for breakfast or dinner and visiting friends. Jerry’s family will always be grateful to friends, the community, healthcare workers and his church for all their support, patience and understanding shown Jerry.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 54 years, Audrey Gully; son, Justin (Nikkie) Gully of Barry, IL; daughters, Maria (Steve) Wakefield of Omaha, NE and Sara (Scott) Johnson of Louisiana, MO; eight grandchildren, Kristin (Kyle) Kruse, Emma (Harley Miller) Smith, Shelby Johnson, Kayla (Mike) Jones, Jeff (Katelyn Forshey) Johnson, David Johnson, Skyler Gwartney and Serenity Gwartney; and seven great-grandchildren, Korbyn Kruse, Karver Kruse, Kiersley Kruse, Blakelynn Miller, Remi Johnson, Areia Jones and Lena Jones.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Simon and Leila Gully; brother, Lanny Gully; and sister, Linda DeSpain.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM, Friday, October 13, 2023, at Grace Baptist Church in Pittsfield, IL with visitation held prior to the service from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Interment will follow the service at Park Lawn Cemetery in Barry, IL. Memorials are suggested to be made to Grace Baptist Church. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Barry Funeral Chapel in Barry is handling the arrangements.

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