Jerry D. Barringer

Jerry Dee Barringer, Age 83 of Polk City, FL and formally from Fremont, Mi, and Carmel, IN, passed peacefully on August 3, 2022, surrounded by family. Jerry was a proud “Preachers Kid” who grew up in the church, learning, praying and growing up beside his mother and father, especially, who greatly influenced Jerry’s devotion to Christ. Whatever he took from the church: community, prayers and support, he gave back two-fold. He was highly involved in the church and served on many boards and committees. While living in Florida, he was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Lakeland where he was a member of the adult choir. The church played a huge role in shaping Jerry's hopeful outlook on life and the relationships that enriched that life.

After graduating from high school, Jerry became a proud Purdue Boilermaker, graduating in 1961. He continued carrying on many of the Boilermaker traditions, tailgating for football games and maintaining the Purdue/IU rivalry with friends' decades after graduating. He was even more proud to eventually share those same traditions with his two children, Nancy and Tony, who attended Purdue themselves. Purdue gave him many things, but nothing more important than his wife, Kathryn Day, who stood firmly by his side for over 50 years until her passing in 2012.

While you can use loyalty to describe Jerry in many facets of his life, it is incredibly notable in his career. Jerry worked for Gerber Products Company for over 30 years. His hard work gave him new opportunities and often moved him and his family to new places. Jerry had a knack for maintaining many close friends and holding onto them forever, despite the moves. His friends recount fond memories spent boating on the lake, camping with the RV and cycling. Jerry’s sense of adventure never ceasing.

Jerrys constant itch to travel even took him overseas on multiple mission trips to Cuba, Bulgaria and Jamaica to help those in other countries. In his local community, Jerry and his therapy dog, Sam, regularly visited hospitals, nursing homes and kids choir bringing joy and positivity to anyone who crossed their paths. He graciously supported any cause close to those he loved never missing an opportunity to donate, volunteer or otherwise contribute. In the giving spirit, Jerry was a Master Mason, maintaining memberships in Fremont, MI and Salem, IN. He was also a Lifetime Scottish Rite member and Shriner, he was proud of his memberships, friendships and commitments to all groups and organizations where he participated.

In 1994, Jerry officially took the title of “grandpa”, a role that was arguably one of his favorites to play and it suited him perfectly! He adored his four grandchildren and was front and center at every graduation, dance recital, track meet, school fundraising event and birthday that he could, hence the move to Polk City, FL in 1999 to be closer to the grandkids.

Jerry is survived by his daughter, Nancy Barringer Juin (Jean Michel), his son, Anthony Dee Barringer, his granddaughters’, Annabelle Juin, Annelyse Juin and AnneMarie Juin, his grandson, Cullen Barringer, his sister, Mary Lois Kopkey , his nieces, Jackie Kopkey Hadley (Jeff), Vickie Kopkey Manikowski (Rex), and Susan Day Demeter (David), his nephews, Max Day and Randie Kopkey (Chris), fiancée Sharon Millard and his beloved and loyal four-legged friend, Sam.

A memorial service will be held Monday, November 7 at 1:00 pm at First United Methodist Church, 72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland, FL 33801.
Jerry was buried with his wife, Kathryn in Franklin Cemetery near Salem, with a private family Masonic Service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. www.therapydogs.com

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