Gerald “Jerry” N. Ferris Jr.

Gerald “Jerry” N. Ferris Jr., 84, of Deford, died Saturday evening December 19, 2020 in McLaren Flint. He was born August 30, 1936 in Brooklyn, Michigan to Gerald and Hazel (Turk) Ferris. He married Patricia Ann Crawford August 8, 1959 in First Baptist Church of Cass City.

Jerry attended high school in Onsted, where he played on the football team.  Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in the rocket division for three years, during the Korean War era.  Jerry was honorably discharged, having achieved the rank of corporal. He went on to attend and graduate from the Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music with a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies. Jerry was ordained in 1965 and served as pastor of Ocqueoc Baptist Church for 13 years. Following the pastorate, he was employed by and retired from Cole Carbide.  Jerry enjoyed teaching and serving in the local Baptist Church. He was passionate about passing out Gospel tracts.  Jerry loved all things cowboy, especially Western movies featuring Gene Autry.  He could always be found in the stands at the sporting events of his children and grandchildren, proudly supporting them.  

Jerry is survived by his wife, Patricia; children, Cassidy (Leah) Ferris of Saginaw, Randal (Alesia) Ferris of Fowlerville and Raymond (Bonnie) Ferris of Deford; grandchildren, Jesika (James) Struve, Tyler (Allison) Ferris, Lance (Rachel) Ferris, Jared Ferris, Brenton (Danna) Ferris, Jillian Ferris, Amber (Nick) Knieling, Jalen (Emily) Ferris and Leann Ferris; great-grandchildren, Brett, Darrin, Merek, Emmett, Ainsley, Crew, Vivienne, Oliver, Ryker, Archer and Roman; and a brother, Dean (Joan) Ferris. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two infant brothers, Norman Ferris and Dale Ferris.

Funeral service was Wednesday, December 23, in the First Baptist Church of Caro with the Rev. Marc Herron officiating. Interment was in Novesta Township Cemetery with milita

ry honors conducted by the Cass City Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3644. Memorials may be made to the Forgotten Man Ministries or Gideons International. Family and friends may share memories, prayers and photos with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com. Attendees are kindly reminded to wear a mask or other facial covering while inside the funeral home. Social distancing and limitations on numbers gathered in the funeral home will be observed.   

Visitation was Tuesday, December 22, at Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City and Wednesday at First Baptist Church.

Arrangements were by Kranz Funeral Home.