Jess Willard “Jerry” Hall, Jr., 82, of Rockingham, passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at his home. He was born on October 8, 1942, in Warrenton, VA to the late Jess Willard, Sr. and Dorothy Lee Branum Hall.

After graduating from Turner Ashby High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was proud to serve his country on the USS Forrestal. He was employed by Dunham-Bush, Joseph Ney’s, in downtown Harrisonburg, and then Badger Powhatan of Charlottesville for several years before going to work for Rocco/Marvel/Cargill, where he would retire. From 2005-2015, he owned and operated a shoe shine business in downtown Harrisonburg.

As a young athlete, he was on Harrisonburg’s first traveling midget football team and played in the “Santa Claus Bowl” in Lakeland, Florida. He also played several years in the RCBL on the Spring Creek Team. He served in several leadership roles in the Harrisonburg Jaycees and was a member of the Elk’s Club. Jerry was a member of Garber’s Church of the Brethren where he proudly played the bells and sang in the choir.

He was an extremely proud dad, grandfather, and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was very mechanically inclined, a gifted salesman, cherished his beloved dogs, and had the gift of gab. He enjoyed playing horseshoes and billiards with a competitive spirit.

Jerry is survived by his daughter, Yvette Marie Hall (Sean); his step-daughter, Debi Rhodes (Talley); sisters, Karen Spitzer (Keith) and Linda Harris; granddaughter, Sophia Marie Barnes; grandson, Jack Talley Rhodes; close friend, Merv Reedy; four special nieces, numerous cousins and extended family members.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Parker Hall, and his wife, Joyce, and three beloved dogs, Sigmund, Shawnee, and Charlie.

Service details will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Rockingham/Harrisonburg SPCA or Garber’s Church of the Brethren, in honor of Jerry.