Jerry A. Rudolph's Obituary
Jerry Alvin Rudolph, 82, passed away on Thursday, June 3, 2021 at Lakeland Regional Hospital Palliative Care
Jerry was born on Oct. 13, 1938 in Elmira, NY. He attended AW Booth School in Elmira, NY and School for the Blind in Batavia, NY.
He has lived in Elmira, NY; Sagetown, NY; Horseheads, NY & finally, Lakeland, FL: Foxwood Community 2003---2021; and Grace Manor Suites, 2021 to present.
Jerry learned to use a “White Cane”, an indicator for being legally blind; he also learned to read Braille, the raised bumps used to read by touch
Jerry had many jobs throughout his life, including Casper’s Dairy in Sagetown, NY; Pepsi Cola Co & a Sheltered Workshop, both in Horseheads, NY; and Pyramid Computers in Lakeland, FL.
Jerry loved attending church; fishing; driving: the boat, ride on mower, snow-blower, and anything he could; raising animals for 4-H; and working!
During his last few years, he enjoyed table games and “Wrestling”---on TV, of course.
He was raised in Assemblies of God but in his later years, attended Baptist churches.
Jerry had to overcome many challenges in life. He was not expected to survive at birth; he was not expected to live through his teen years; he was never expected to hold down a job; and he was never expected to marry. He endured numerous operations, many health issues, plus he was greatly challenged by being legally blind and severely hearing impaired, until he lost all hearing. However, with the help of God and an especially dedicated mother, Henrietta (Betty) Rudolph, he not only met the challenges but he was an example of Believers—a positive attitude and an inspiration for living life with or without challenges. Although he was never able to drive, he bought his first car—a beautiful ’57 red & white Chevy for others to transport him. He eventually taught his kid-sister to drive a stick-shift in their long driveway. He was helpful, funny, perceptive, and at times—stubborn. But almost always, he had a song of praise to God. It may not have been the tune we know; or the words we are use to. But everyone around knew it came from his heart. He often spoke of having the “Peace of God” in his heart. But, he “sure wished he could hear”.
And now, we can only imagine his heavenly life of celebration!
Jerry is survived by
Spouse: Judy Anna Rudolph, Lakeland, FL, Married April 5, 1980
Siblings: BrotherDonald A Rudolph & Spouse, Evelyn; SisterBetty Lou (Rudolph) Jorden and Spouse, Dale, all from Lakeland, FL
Others: AuntBeulah Womer, from Noxen, PA
Nieces: Linda Karnes & Tina St John, both from Lakeland & Katrina Ehlers from Auburndale, FL; NephewBrian Jorden, Lakeland
Great Nieces, Nephews, & Cousins~too numerous to count from all over the world
Jerry is preceded in death by
Parents: Donald (Rudy) & Henrietta (Betty) Deater Rudolph
Others: Nephews, Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins (too numerous to list)
SERVICE DETAILS
Tuesday, June 8, 2021
Visitation 1:00pm, Service following at 2:00pm
Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home
3350 Mall Hill Drive
Lakeland, FL 33810
Due to COVID, there will be no graveside service or reception. (We feel compelled to make hard choices for the health of everyone, especially Judy.)
In Lieu of Flowers:
Deater Foundation, Inc (A non-profit organization founded in 1990 in an effort to raise money for research and a cure for the hereditary family disease.
Deater Foundation, Inc. www.deaterfoundation.org (For on-line Instructions)
PO Box 255
White Deer, PA 17887
OR
Light House for the Blind & Low Vision (Provides on-site comprehensive rehabilitation programs for persons who are blind or visually impaired)
Light House for the Blind & Low Vision www.lighthouseblv.org (For on-line giving)
206 Avenue D N.W.
Winter Haven, Florida 33881
Three Thoughts that Sum up Life
“Hard Life” “Happy Life” ~ Peace of God “Healed Life” ~ In Heaven
What’s your fondest memory of Jerry?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jerry?
Share a story where Jerry's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jerry you’ll never forget.
How did Jerry make you smile?
