Jerry Wayne Golden

Mr. Jerry Wayne Golden, age 61, of Ocean Springs, MS., passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2012, in Quincy, Florida. Jerry was born in Hattiesburg, MS on November 15, 1950, and graduated from Hattiesburg High School and the University of Southern Mississippi. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 37 years, retiring as a Major. After retiring, he moved to Ocean Springs in the 1980's and was a longtime resident of the coast. He was employed by Aerotek in Jacksonville, FL and was a licensed pilot from the age of 19. Jerry was an Eagle Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow and also a member of Aircraft Owner's Pilots Association (AOPA). He and his family were active members of the First Baptist Church of Ocean Springs. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Golden and Irma Howell Golden and a sister, Lillian Sellers. Survivors include his wife of 33 years, Deborah Golden, daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie Golden Spruill and Ben Spruill, brother, Michael Golden and a sister, Marguerite (Emry) McNeil. Visitation will be on Friday, January 27, 2012, from 9:30 am until 11 am, with an 11 am church service, all at the First Baptist Church of Ocean Springs. Dr. Mike Barnett will be officiating the service and the vocalist will be J.R. Walley. Burial will follow in Biloxi National Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers the family prefers donations be made to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 1, Ocean Springs, MS. 39566 or to the First Baptist Church of Ocean Springs, 602 Washington Avenue, Ocean Springs, MS. 39564. Pallbearers will be John Thompson, Keith Dier, Chris Johnson, Randal Turner, Mac Crouch, Ricky Browning, and Honorary Pallbearer, Charlie Emerson. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.