Jerald Morris

GySgt. Jerald “Jerry” Michael Morris, 57, of Brighton, IL, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at HSHS St. John’s in Springfield, IL. Jerry was born on November 29, 1966, in Pittsfield IL to the late Deward “Bud” and Barbra (Guthrie) Morris.

He is survived by his three children, Megan Morris of Yuma, AZ, Zachary Morris of Yuma, AZ and Ariel (Antoine) Huether of Godfrey IL; Five Grandchildren, Arabella “Bella,” Elaiynah “Ellie,” John, Shawn and Lane; Sister Dee Morris of Brighton IL, Jeff (Joyce) Morris of Alton and Nephew Kyle Morris. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents.
Jerry enlisted in the Marine Corps on March 23, 1984, and reported to boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Sand Diego, CA on June 18, 1984. He graduated from boot camp on September 7, 1984, and reported to Aviation supply school in Meridian, MS in October of 1984. Jerry spent 20 years in the Marine Corps and was able to see many different countries like Japan and Italy multiple times.

GySgt. Morris’ personal awards include the Navy Unit Citation Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal (5 Stars), National Defense Medal (1 Star) Armed Forces Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (8 Stars), NATO Medal, Antarctic Service Ribbon, and Marine Corps Recruiting Ribbon.

After retirement, Jerry and his parents opened Sarges’ Pizza in Brighton, IL (2002-2007) and eventually Bethalto, IL for a short time. Jerry then went to work for and attend University Of Phoenix as a recruiter and graduated with 2 Masters in Business Management in 2010. After graduation, Jerry took to traveling to Ukraine and Russia and was able to visit the Chernobyl Plant during one of his visits. Jerry enjoyed exploring new places and meeting new people, along with taking pictures of everything and anything.

Jerry also enjoyed football - mainly the Tampa Bay Buccaneers - and would watch every game he could. He also played football for fun during his youth all different positions in tackle and flag, and then coached for Pop Warner in Havelock NC. Along with the Buccaneers, Jerry also enjoyed attending games of the St. Louis Cardinals and the St. Louis Blues.

Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Brighton, IL.

Burial will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO with full Military Honors.

Memorials may be made to Macoupin County Animal control.

Condolences may be left online at www.andersonfamilyfuneral.com.

Obit Provided By:
Anderson Family Funeral Home