Jerry Clayton DeBolt

Jerry Clayton DeBolt, 87, of Wesley Chapel, FL passed away on Dec 3, 2024. He was born in Noblesville, IN on March 4, 1937 and spent much of his life in that area. Jerry attended Anderson College where he earned a Bachelor’s degree. He served in the Army Reserves from 1960 to 1966.

Jerry raised his family in Anderson, IN where he worked at Duo Supply Co., and later became the owner and CEO. During his three decades at Duo, he mentored and hired many college students. Many of his employees have shared how deeply his influence impacted their lives. He was a true role model, and mentor. In 1994 Jerry moved his family to Palm Harbor, FL to work for his son at The DeBolt Company.

Jerry was very involved in the church, first in Anderson, IN at East Side Church of God, and then at Bayside Community Church of God in Safety Harbor, FL. He was known for showing up consistently with donuts, and lighting up the room with his sharp wit. In his churches he taught a youth Sunday School class, was a Boy Scout leader, coached a basketball league, and served on many committees including Board of Elders. Jerry also took two missionary trips, one to Jamaica, and another to Thailand. Where there was a need, Jerry filled it. He was always eager to serve.

A skilled carpenter with an eye for detail, Jerry loved to build. He crafted shelves for trophies, wagons and toy boxes for his grand-babies, quilt racks for his wife, and birdhouses for his friends, among many other things. A fixer and a doer, he worked joyfully with his hands.

Above all, Jerry was a family man who embodied the “fruits of the Spirit” in how he cared for his loved ones. He showed endless unconditional love for them, always. He demonstrated joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness in his daily life. He had an absolute sparkle in his eye for the children in his family. He poured into them constantly, and always showed up when he was needed. He was the best husband, dad, and pappy anyone could wish for.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 62 years, Diane; their two children, Christopher (wife Pam) DeBolt, and Chandra DeBolt Petrie; his grandchildren, Alexis (Paul) Babcock, Brice Petrie, Jaren DeBolt, and Chance DeBolt; his great-grandchildren, Clayton, Silas, and Reese Babcock; one sister, and several nieces and nephews.

For those who would like to join in celebrating his life, a come-and-go Memorial Service will be held at Bayside Community Church, located at 3380 SR 580, Safety Harbor, FL on 12/29/24, from 2-4pm. Pastor Willoughby will give a brief eulogy at 2:15 followed by a time of fellowship.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV)

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in memory of Jerry DeBolt to:

Alzheimer’s Association, Attn: Donor Services, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17, Chicago, Illinois 60601

or to Gulfside Hospice, Attn: Philanthropy, 2061 Collier Parkway, Land O' Lakes, FL. 34649