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Jerry Wayne Neill, Sr. (January 1, 1948 - November 2, 2014) Jerry Wayne Neill, Sr. passed away Sunday, November 2, 2014 at the young age of 66 due to congestive heart failure. Many people knew Jerry as "Pete," a nickname given to him as a child by his family. Jerry was a lifelong resident of the small town of Mooresville. Jerry was a New Years baby born on the first day of the year in 1948. God took him back home to his father, Jay Flate Neill, and mother, Edna Westmoreland. Jerry is survived by his wife of 47 years, Dianne Robinson Neill, his three children, Jerry Wayne Neill, Jr., Ronald Christian Neill, and Teresa Dianne Neill Naylor and his brother, Paul Anthony Neill. Jerry was lucky to live in a private, family neighborhood surrounded by the people that loved him including his two daughter-in-laws, Tonya Styborski Neill and Ellen Wally Neill, and his son-in-law, David Jude Naylor. His nephews, Paul Anthony, Adam Jay, Luke Lenoir and his niece Lynsey Edna were also a loving part of his close knit family. Jerry’s heart belonged to his beloved grandchildren, Katherine Diane "Katie", Allison Nicole "Allie", Kody Christian, Peyton Reese, and Riley Kade. Jerry proudly served in the United States Army in the Vietnam War as a sergeant in the 219th division of the military police. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service. Jerry was forever changed by his experiences of this war and his love for his country and fellow soldiers was unwavering. Jerry was a graduate of the last graduating class of Troutman High School in 1966 and received a Bachelors Degree from Kennedy Western University in Business Administration. He was a hard working man whose oil stained hands bore the marks of his love of cars, trucks, tractors, and heavy equipment. He spent hour upon hour with his sons working in his shop, tinkering with engines and mechanics. His strong work ethic was apparent to all which he passed down to his two sons. Jerry invested countless hours and expense in his daughter who dragged him to and fro in her ambitious endeavors in music. There was no greater fan or hero for his "little girl." Jerry was an extraordinary person and loved by many. He had a tough outer shell and could be quite cantankerous, but those that knew him, also knew that he had a big, warm heart and would give the shirt off of his back to anyone in need. Jerry cherished his time every morning with his buddies at Bojangles. This group of men that Jerry called "The Loafers and Liars Club" knew better than most his good hearted character and his sometimes downright offensive humor that was purely "Jerry." The family will be receiving visitors at Rocky Mount Methodist Church on Wednesday, November 5, from 6:00 to 8:00 in the fellowship hall. The church is located at 1739 Perth Rd Mooresville. A private, graveside service will be held at 3:00 the same day at Rocky Mount Church for family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that people who choose to honor him donate to the Iredell County Veterans Council located at 2446 Salisbury Rd Statesville, NC 28677. Please write Jerry’s name in the memo line along with ICVAC. Jerry will be missed by all that knew him. Mooresville and the Shepherd Community will not be the same with out this good ole’ country boy in his big, red diesel pick up truck. One tough, amazing angel just entered the pearly gates. His laughter will be heard throughout the heavens.