Jerry Gilbert Gouge

Jerry Gilbert Gouge 72 of Nebo, North Carolina passed away in the VA Hospice Unit at the Asheville Veterans Administration Hospital on July 27,2021.

A native of McDowell County he was born in Marion on October 4th 1948 to Anna Belle Sowers Gouge and Hubert Edward Gouge. He was retired from Etta Box where he worked as a printing operator.

He served in the United States Army from April 18,1968 until April 17,1970 when he was discharged with an honorable discharge after returning from a tour of duty in Vietnam where he served with 196th Brigade of the American Division, his awards included; Combat Infantryman Badge, The National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Rifle Sharpshooter Badge.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years Jo Pauline Harris Gouge and three children; Michelle Mills and husband Jimmy of Nebo, Robert Lee Gouge and wife Jennifer Ballew Gouge of Celo and Jack Edward Gouge and wife Kamie Thomas Gouge. Six grandchildren; Mariah Gouge, Logan Gouge, Sierra Gouge, Belle Gouge, Madeline Gouge and Paige Patrick and three great-grandchildren, Hunter Patrick, Hanna Patrick and Calen Patrick. He is also survived by his sister Jacqueline Pelfrey and husband William (Butch) Pelfrey of Pleasant Gardens and an uncle, Billy W. Sowers of Victorville, CA.

He was a devout believer and gave his life to the service of the Lord Jesus in his early twenties and remained a Christian all his life. He raised his family in a strong Christian home filled with love and faith. He was a talented musician and played guitar and piano and shared his God given talents with the community by playing and singing with several gospel groups for many years until health issues intervened.

He loved cars and took pleasure in being a “Shade Tree Mechanic” and was a NASCAR fan. His special love was Ford Mustangs and his Torino Cobra.

The funeral will be Friday, July 30, 2021 at Bethel Freewill Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. with the Reverend Larry Anderson officiating with the eulogy to be give by Allen Gouge with graveside rites. Interment at Murphy’s Chapel Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10-11 one hour prior to the service at the church.

Floral tributes are welcome or a donation in Jerry’s name may be made to the Disabled Veterans of America, www.dav.org.