Gerald Wayne Pellett

Gerald Wayne Pellett, better known to his friends and family as Jerry, was born on November 14, 1956 and passed away on June 26, 2023. He touched many lives and will be remembered as a loving, selfless, protective, and generous man. Jerry's greatest lessons were that family is the most important thing in the world, and that everyone should treat others with kindness and respect. He greatly valued honesty, and his children knew that their family motto, adopted from the Cadet Honor Code, was very much a part of him and how he chose to live his life: “We do not lie, steal, or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does."

Jerry is survived by his children, Heather Close (Jason), Courtney Curtis, Shaun Pellett (Rebecca), and Brooke Pellett. His legacy lives on through his grandchildren: Austin and Carter Close, Ashton Curtis, and Emma and Micah Pellett. He is also survived by his six siblings, Tom, Pat, Tracey, Mike, Lisa, and Rob. He was predeceased by his mother, Dixie Bess, and his stepfather, Jim Bess. A memorial service and honor guard will be held in Jerry’s honor on Friday, September 29, 2023, at 1:30pm at the United States Air Force Academy.

Jerry was a proud graduate of the USAFA, where he earned his Bachelors of Science degree in Behavioral Science in 1978. He went on to complete a Masters of Science in Logistics Management at the Air Force Institute of Technology in 1984. He completed many other colleges including Squadron Officer School (1983), Air Command & Staff College (1987), and Air War College (1997), and earned several certificates during his time in the Air Force. He truly valued education and was himself a lifelong learner.

In addition to his educational achievements, Jerry also earned several awards during his time in the Air Force, including: Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 3 devices, Air Force Longevity Service Award with 4 devices, Air Force Training Ribbon, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, and the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award with 3 devices. His extremely successful military career culminated in his retirement from the United States Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1998. Jerry then continued to work for various Department of Defense contractors until he retired in 2021. Though he had a long and successful military career, it was always clear that Jerry's proudest achievement was raising his four wonderful children.

Jerry loved his life and it was apparent in his many interests and hobbies. He was the #1 fan of Alabama Crimson Tide football and everyone knew that Saturdays were reserved for watching them play (and usually win). He loved listening and singing along to country music greats like George Strait, Trisha Yearwood, and Randy Travis, and had a lifelong love for Olivia Newton John. He was a voracious reader, and loved to read and reread the Dune series, Red Rising, and anything by CJ Box or Tom Clancy. He enjoyed playing card games, teaching his grandchildren to play poker, and he had a fondness for playing board games when his family came to visit, particularly Risk with his grandson, Ashton. He was always ready to watch a good movie when sports weren’t on and especially enjoyed Star Wars, Harry Potter, John Wayne, and the Marvel Universe. He loved talking to and spending time with his family, and would always stop whatever he was doing to give them his full attention. He enjoyed watering the lawn, looking through and organizing his comic book collection, and adding to his carefully curated joke books in his spare time. Other pastimes included passionate discussions about politics, cursing the snow, creating snack mixes for his co-workers, cooking, wandering through antique stores, and painting. In later years, he spent more time sharing stories about growing up in Hawthorne, NV, his college years, and early days in the military to the delight of anyone who happened to be around, but especially his kids.

Jerry leaves behind a rich tapestry of memories and a legacy of love for his family and country. His impact on everyone he encountered throughout his life will echo through generations, and he will be sincerely missed by all who knew him. Gone but not forgotten, he will live forever in our hearts.