Jerry Cissel's Obituary
It is with deep sorrow and profound love that we announce the peaceful passing of Jerry Cissel, at the age of 94. Jerry lived life to the fullest, surrounded by family, until his passing. He will be dearly missed.
Born to Mamie Crots Cissel and Richard Cissel on September 24, 1929, Jerry was born and raised in Lexington, North Carolina, and was a graduate of the 1947 class of Lexington High School. With humble beginnings, Jerry worked tirelessly and intentionally to build an abundant life of service and family. The oldest of eight children, and one of more than fifty first cousins, Jerry spent much of his younger years with his siblings and cousins, and working in the barbecue stands of Lexington. Jerry managed the varsity baseball team in high school, where he gained a passion for all sports. This love of sports would lead to him spending countless days at ball fields, basketball courts, and swimming pools, coaching and cheering on his own children through their youth.
In 1948, driven by a calling to serve his country, Jerry enlisted in the United States Air Force, beginning his military career at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California. Trained as a Russian linguist and technician, Jerry’s military career would take him to Korea, Crete, Germany, Scotland, and Texas. His first operational assignment was during the Korean War, where he became well known for his abilities as a linguist and leader, and his positive impact on young airmen. Jerry served most of his career in the Air Intelligence Agency (AIA), and in 1996 he was one of eight former members of the AIA to be inducted into its prestigious Hall of Honor. During his military career Jerry earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland and a Masters degree from Saint Mary’s College. Jerry retired from the service in 1969, as Chief Master Sergeant, from Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio.
During his service in Scotland, Jerry met his first love, Ina Kilgour, a native of Glasgow, Scotland. Jerry and Ina were married in Glasgow in 1957, which would begin a thirty-two year marriage filled with love, service, and the raising of three children – Richard, Paul and Gail. After retiring from the military, Jerry and Ina moved their family to Tucker, Georgia, where they built a loving home and lasting friendships. Jerry’s work as the vice president of purchasing for the British-owned textile company J.P. Coats & Clark would take him and Ina to Greenville, South Carolina, where he worked until his retirement in 1990. Ina passed away unexpectedly in 1989, leaving a lasting legacy of family, kindness, friendships, and community.
Jerry was fortunate to meet his second love, Barbara Groves, in 1994, with whom he shared his life up until his passing. Barbara and Jerry enjoyed an active life together, living in Fort Myers, Florida, for many years and now in Leesburg, Florida. A heroic, loving partner and a dedicated nurse, Barbara’s hands-on, loving care of Jerry contributed to his longevity and lively spirit until the day he passed. His family is forever grateful to Barbara for her inspiring and passionate dedication to Jerry. We look forward to enjoying many more years with Barbara.
Jerry’s passions and interests included love of country, history, military aircraft strategy, cooking, Georgia Bulldog football, the North Carolina Tarheels, and all things Dallas Cowboys. He enjoyed many Chapel Hill tailgates and games with his brother Sparky. And, for more than twenty years, Jerry traveled every year with his two sons and son-in-law to Dallas, for a long weekend of Dallas Cowboy football – lots of tailgates, barbecue, and “How ‘Bout Them Cowboys”!
Jerry is survived by his loving partner, Barbara Ann Groves, of Leesburg, Florida; his three children – Richard Cissel (Pam) of Crofton, MD; Paul Cissel (Nicole) of Dacula, GA; and, Gail Cissel Oliver (Jason) of Charlotte, NC; six grandchildren; and, four siblings – sister Regina Harris, of Charlotte, NC; brother Sparky Brooks, of Lexington, NC; brother Rex Brooks (Sheila), of Lexington, NC; and, brother Rocky Brooks (Lisa), of Lenoir, NC. Jerry was preceded in death by his sisters, Joyce Cissel Azzolini and Gail Cissel McCrary; and, his brother Dennis Brooks.
Jerry’s family appreciates the compassion and guidance from Hamlin & Hilbish of Eustis, FL. We will celebrate Jerry’s life in the near future. Our family asks that you consider making a donation to an organization that supports our Veterans.
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