GERALD WAYNE ARRINGTON

Gerald Wayne Arrington was born in January of 1949 to his parents, George Douglas and Loretta Marie Arrington. He was the second of what came to be four children and was by far the loudest of them all. He graduated from Haysi High School and continued his education at Virginia Tech, where he ultimately received his Master's degree. He was a lifelong member of Sandlick Presbyterian Church.

His life consisted of numerous accomplishments, but that isn’t what we will remember about Jerry. We will never forget his booming voice and a laugh that announced his arrival long before he entered the room. When we gather as a family to share food, we will think of the hours Jerry would spend cooking because food equaled love which was an ideal he inherited from his dad. He loved going to The Carter Family Fold, visiting the Chateau Morrisette Winery, collecting things that he found interesting, and he was always running late. A conversation with him could go on forever…much like his trips to the grocery store. He was a man who couldn’t pass up a good deal, even if it meant buying way too many turkeys or a stove and oven combo that he had no real need for. He especially enjoyed teasing the men who would later marry his nieces to initiate them into our crazy family. If anyone ever needed anything, he was always the first to show up. He went above and beyond for his beloved family and dear friends. Although he was Uncle Jerry to the children of his brother and sister, he will always be remembered as Pops Jerry by his many great-nephews and nieces. A title bestowed upon him by his first “honorary grandchild”, Bryson, carried on through the children that followed: Nolan, Makenna, Amelia, Sawyer, Theo, James, Norah, Wendell, and Niam. 

Jerry was preceded in death by his brother, Larry; his father, Douglas; his paternal grandparents, Robert and Bernice Arrington, and maternal grandparents, Cowan and Bonnie Edwards.

Left to celebrate his memories and life are his mother, Loretta Marie of Abingdon; his sister, Janet (Michael) Phipps of Abingdon, and his brother, Bruce (Susie) Arrington of Cedar Bluff. In addition to them, he leaves behind several nieces and nephews: LeeAnne (Brian) Schmid, Matthew (Misty) Phipps, Scott (Michelle) Arrington, Sarah (Dale) Francis, and Larry (Amanda) Arrington. The family would like to extend special thanks to Rocky Spiva, whose help and friendship meant so much to Jerry.

Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at 2 p.m. at Haysi Funeral Home with Pastor, Carl Howell officiating. Burial will follow in the A.J. Edwards, Birchleaf. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.   Friends may call after 1 p.m. prior to the funeral service. Online condolences may be sent to www.haysifuneral@yahoo.com.

Haysi Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.