Gerald E. Spear Jr., lovingly known as “Jerry,” passed away on Friday, October 3rd, 2025, at Centralia Manor Nursing Home at the age of 82. Jerry was born in Centralia on Friday, November 13th, 1942, the son of Gerald (Jerry) E. Spear Sr. and Jessie (Ragsdale) Ramsey. He married Gladys Cohlmeyer in 1962. They were divorced in 1994, and two children, Robin and Scott, were born from this marriage.
He is survived by his daughter, Robin Butcher, of Centralia; his brother, John Spear, of Collinsville, Illinois; his two granddaughters, Brook King of Iuka, Illinois, and Brittany Pate of Davenport, Iowa; and his nephews, Bradley Spear of Wichita Falls, Texas, and David Spear of Great Falls, Montana. Jerry also leaves behind numerous cousins who will remember him fondly.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald E. Spear Sr. and Jessie Ramsey, and his son, Robert Scott Spear.
Jerry led a distinguished career in the airline industry, beginning in 1964 with Ozark Airlines. His journey through the skies continued with the transitions to TWA Airlines in 1986 and ultimately American Airlines in 2000, where he retired as a respected pilot whose leadership and dedication were admired by many.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jerry was an active member of his community. He was a cherished member of the Centralia Rotary and a passionate participant in the Centralia Wireless Association, proudly holding the call sign K9KWD. Further exemplifying his zest for connection and communication, Jerry was a lifetime member of the American Radio Relay League and the Experimental Aircraft Association.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, followed by the funeral service at 12:00 PM, with Pastor Steve Upchurch officiating. Burial will follow at Ashley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made to the Centralia Humane Society and will be accepted at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, located at 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618) 532-3523, who is honored to serve Jerry’s family. Friends and family are encouraged to express condolences online by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home Facebook page. Family, friends, and all those whose lives Jerry touched are invited to share in celebrating his remarkable life.
Jerry’s warmth, humor, and spirit of adventure will be deeply missed but forever cherished by those who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace, soaring among the stars with the same grace with which he flew through life.
