Jerry Vance Poole, 82, of Newport, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Carteret Health Care in Morehead City, North Carolina.

A memorial service to celebrate Jerry's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Immanuel Baptist Church, 3610 Hillandale Road, Durham, North Carolina. The family asks that you join them for a meal and fellowship following the service as they remember Jerry.

Jerry was born on July 24, 1943, in Greensboro, North Carolina, to the late Neal Seth Poole and Larcenia Clayton Poole.

Jerry was a man of deep faith who never wavered in his devotion to the Lord. Throughout all the trials God allowed him to endure, he remained steadfast, making his life a powerful testimony of perseverance and trust in Christ. A 26-year survivor of bone cancer, he faced numerous health challenges, yet he never allowed them to define him. Instead, his faith defined his journey. His life reflected resilience, gratitude, and a steadfast devotion to Christ that inspired all who knew him.

Jerry was a devoted member of The Summit Church (formerly Homestead Heights Baptist Church) in Durham, North Carolina and a former member of Immanuel Baptist Church, also in Durham, where he served as a deacon and taught youth groups. He loved music, especially Southern Gospel, and was particularly fond of the Gaither Vocal Band, singing in the choir at both churches. He also participated in church life through mission trips, conferences, and social events, and he especially enjoyed the Homestead Heights dart ball team.

Jerry's wife, Carole, was his high school sweetheart and the love of his life. They were blessed with 60 years of marriage, sharing a lifetime of cherished memories. Wherever one was, the other was never far behind - they were truly always together. Throughout their life, they treasured time at Watersedge Mobile Home Park in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, and these beach visits remained a family tradition as their children grew, becoming a tradition shared across generations. In their dating years, they enjoyed picnics along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. They also spent many joyful years participating in round and square-dancing clubs, traveling often, and building lasting friendships. In their later years, Jerry and Carole enjoyed spending time in Williamsburg, Virginia where they developed a love for the American bald eagle, often visiting the Norfolk Botanical Garden, and were active members of the eagle conservation group "Eagle On Alliance." Over the last 20 years, they also enjoyed attending the annual Senior Celebrators Conference in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, led by Dr. David Jeremiah, where they deepened their faith and fellowship.

Jerry was a devoted father who fully embraced his role. He never missed a game, practiced sports with his children, and taught them to care for and restore their own cars. No matter the event, big or small, he was always there, supporting his children and celebrating their accomplishments. Many of their family friends' children also looked to Jerry as a second dad, and he mentored and loved them just as his own. Later, when grandchildren came into his life, he extended the same love and devotion to them. Though sometimes separated by distance, every moment together was precious, and he always made them laugh and feel cherished.

Jerry was loved by all who met him. He had the patience of a saint and a calm, laid-back nature. While he was a man of few words, his quick wit and fun-loving personality made him easy to be around. His smile and laugh could light up a room, leaving a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Jerry had a lifelong love of NASCAR and was an active drag racer in his younger years, with a special fondness for Mopar and Chrysler vehicles. He loved working with his hands, often tuning, tinkering, or restoring cars and engines. Whether it was a car, a mower, or any mechanical project, Jerry found joy in fixing things, truly a jack of all trades.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard, carrying the same sense of duty and dedication into his professional life. He spent 30 years as a Field Engineer with IBM and later Eastman Kodak, where he was known as a meticulous and patient problem-solver, earning the respect of colleagues throughout his career.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carole Dodson Poole; his son, Andrew Poole of Emerald Isle, NC; his daughter, Rebecca Poole of Newport, NC; grandchildren, Bodie Morris and Abi Morris, both of Newport, NC. He is also survived by his sisters, Ouida Tucker of Pleasant Garden, NC and Ann Drake of Stephens City, VA; many nieces and nephews; and his two beloved cats, Pouncy and TyTy.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his brothers, Cornelius "Corny" Poole and Bob Poole, both of Greensboro, NC.

The family would like to thank all the nurses and staff at Carteret Health Care Center who cared for Jerry. We are deeply grateful for the exceptional care and compassion he was shown, and for the support they gave our family as we navigated this difficult time.

Lastly, the family is also deeply grateful to the many doctors who provided Jerry with care, compassion, and support over the last 26 years.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations in memory of Jerry to Immanuel Baptist Church in Durham, NC; Lawrence Road Baptist Church in Hillsborough, NC; or a charity of your choice.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.