WAYCROSS — Jerry Wayne Alderman of Waycross passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones Thursday, December 5, 2024, after a decline in health over the past few years.
He was 86 years old and a native of Boston, Ga., where he was born on July 24, 1938.
Alderman married his beloved LeBeth on Dec ember 22, 1963. They remained devoted for 61 years to one another through sickness and in health. Alderman, also known as JA, had an eventful life that was never boring. He was born in Boston, Ga., where he played football and basketball. Alderman went on to graduate from Piedmont College where he continued to play basketball on scholarship, graduating at the top of his class.
He went on to complete his graduate degree and became an avid Georgia Bulldog. Alderman loved science and completed his Master’s Degree in biology, magna cum laude. The Bulldog fever started here and never stopped!
Alderman always loved being an educator. He became a high school teacher and coach after graduating from the University of Georgia. However, with the birth of their first child, Alderman
Alderman
decided to pursue a career in sales. This began an illustrious legacy in the mobile home industry where he remained until his retirement years later.
He and Beth started their family in Athens, Ga., with their oldest daughter Allison. As he excelled in his career with Fleetwood Enterprises, they moved to Douglas, Ga., where Angie was born. They completed their family with April, who was born in Lakeland, Fla.
Alderman built — literally with his own two hands — a beautiful retirement mobile home park on the chain of lakes where he and Beth still have a home. They eventually moved to Riverside, Calif., where they remained for eight years. This Georgia Bulldog family missed the south and moved to Waycross in 1981. It was such a joy to get back to family and friends, returning to their roots and a final destination called “home.”
It was Guredon Homes that brought the Alderman family to Waycross. He was an entrepreneur at heart and eventually brought Clayton Homes to Waycross where he started a new plant. He had several other projects and always stayed in the rental home business.
In addition to making Waycross their home, he and Beth enjoyed their condo in Fernandina Beach, Fla., where many wonderful memories were made over the years.
Alderman was an active member of the community. He served on the board for Southwood School and attended every function to support his girls. He also served many years as a Ware County High School athletic booster and expert fundraiser. His love for games parlayed into his passion for poker. He played weekly with the same group for many years.
Alderman was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Linley, and father, Jut Alderman, and sister, Peggy Ann Linley.
He is survived by his wife Beth Alderman; his daughters Allison (Scott), Angie, and April (Roy). Alderman adored his grandchildren Royce (Jenny), Aubrey, Abigail, and Avery.
A graveside service was held in Oakland Cemetery on Tuesday, December 10. A celebration of life followed the service at the Okefenokee Golf and Country Club.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Satilla, 808 Evergreen Way, Waycross, 31501, or to the Salvation Army, 401 Ethel Street, Waycross, 31501.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.milesodumfuneralhome. com.
