Jerry C Purser
February 27, 1937 March 9, 2026
Jerry C. Purser peacefully passed away on March 9, 2026, at the age of 89. Born on February 27, 1937, he was the son of the late Malion C and Cora Lee Purser. Jerry grew up in Kannapolis, North Carolina where he graduated from Winecoff High School.
He enlisted in the Air Force after graduation. His work in the Air Force with pilots training on flight simulators led Jerry to Link Aviation after his enlistment. Link Aviation is the home of the first flight simulator. Through Link Aviation Jerry began work with the Aero Space Program in 1960, where he was fortunate to lead the training team of astronauts during the Apollo program. One of the most memorable flights was Apollo 11, when the US landed on the moon. Jerry was also involved in the Apollo 13 mission. These were a few of the memorable time in his career. He was proud to be a part of theses achievements. His career spanned nearly 30 years with this company moving from Cape Canaveral to Houston to the home office in New York.
Jerry was an avid sportsman and loved to recount statics surrounding many sports. As he favored North Carolina teams, his favorite was Duke and UNC with Alabama close behind. Whether it was basketball or football, Jerry was always watching or listening to the game. He enjoyed playing Golf, Bowling, and deer hunting throughout his life. But Golf was his true passion whether on the course or enjoying the pro tournaments on tv.
His retirement brought him back to North Carolina, where his dream came true of being able to enjoy playing golf any day he wanted! Jerry was a member of Deercroft Golf Course and Homeowners Association, Rotary club and a member of First United Methodist Church in Laurinburg, NC. Jerry truly enjoyed talking about anything golf with any and all, but especially with his son, Chip.
Those left to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 70 years Audrey G Purser, his children, Teea Blair, Jeri (Alan) Burtchell, Jerry 'Chip' (Gail) Purser, and his Sister Wanda Purser Smith, Niece Tracey (Andy) Davison, Nephew Jeff (Karla) Smith. Forever cherished and remembered by his seven grandchildren Audra Blair Reich, Justin (Cristina) Blair, Cassie (Dustin) Mergi, Alexis (Adam) Forgey, Alan Burtchell IV, Cindy (Brian) Patterson, Jennifer (Andy) Ward and eight greatgrandchildren, Mikayla Rae Reich, Zeek Reich, Aiden Blair, Vivian Forgey, Emma Patterson, Noah Patterson, Brady Ward, and Grayson Ward.
Memorial donations may be given to American Diabetes Association, https://diabetes.org. The family would like to Thank the team from Choice Health of Houston, Texas for the loving care they gave Jerry in his final days.
Although Jerry's physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth his legacy of love and compassion in all that we do.
A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.
