Jerry Malley

Jerry C. Malley, a native of Gulfport, MS, and a 1959 graduate of Gulfport High School, passed peacefully at his home the morning of July 7, 2021.

As a boy, Jerry's first job as a paperboy took him all over the west side of Gulfport every day. After rolling the papers by hand, he'd hop on his bike to cover his route as quickly and efficiently as possible, an early indicator of his future success in the field of navigation. In high school, he began working as a Journeyman Electrician, eventually contributing his skills to a NASA missile test site, the Jack Watson Power Plant Part 5 addition, and a casino.

After receiving his Bachelor's in Personnel Management from the University of Southern Mississippi, Jerry was accepted into the Navy Aviation Officer Cadet School in 1965. As a Naval Aviator and Navigator, he mastered carrier landings, was qualified for Nuclear Weapons Loading, and was a Patrol Plane Commander of a 12-man crew. Jerry earned his Air Medal during service in Vietnam before returning to civilian life in 1970.
Jerry would continue to use his skills as an electrician and a navigator in several positions throughout his life. He worked as an electrician on the Coast for several years, safely navigated the oil fields of Louisiana as a lift boat Captain, and spent many years in electrical sales serving military accounts across the Coast. Jerry finished his working years selling HVAC chemicals to corporations around the world, allowing him to travel to places he had always wanted to visit.

Over the years, he coached softball teams, tossed a gill net, went floundering, cleaned crabs, shucked oysters, and enjoyed life on the Coast. In retirement, his handyman skills were always in demand by a never-ending "honey do" list. He proudly completed his latest project just three days before his unexpected passing.

Jerry is survived by his best friend and wife of 46 years, Betty (Wilkes) and "Maggie," the smartest dog he ever knew. He is also survived by stepsons, Michael (Anita) Vogt and Richard (Kay) Vogt; stepdaughters, Suzanne Clapper and Robin Vogt; grandchildren, Spencer, Kasey, Kassie, Cody, and Amelia; and 10 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be on Saturday, July 10, 2021, from 4 - 5 pm at the RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 19130 Commission Road, Long Beach. The funeral service will begin at 5 pm in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, in Biloxi National Cemetery.