LELAND — Kenneth Jerome “Jerry” Pike, of Leland, passed away on Oct. 6, 2016, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. He was born on Feb. 23, 1937, to the late Alexander and Paulene Pike, in Evansville, Indiana.
Jerry and Marilyn married on June 1, 1957. He joined the Army in 1955, and served eight years in the reserves. He was called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis of 1961, and then graduated from Purdue University in 1964, with a degree in civil engineering.
After working for over 40 years in California, Indiana, Kentucky and North Carolina, Jerry retired from Metromont Corporation in 2007. After retiring, he didn’t sit still for long, as he became a certified superior court mediator, and formed three companies —– Construction Dispute Resolution, Sunbelt and Marembecken. He served as a tutor with the Brunswick Literacy Council, and was a member of the Calligraphy Guild in both Raleigh and Southport.
He was a very active member of the American Legion Post 10 Honor Guard, participating in over 600 veterans funerals and volunteering countless hours in various capacities. He interviewed many local veterans and their families, and published his stories in the Wilmington Star News. His desire was to honor and keep alive the memories of the men and women who have served our country.
Jerry lived life to the fullest. He was an avid runner who completed over 20 marathons. His love of running started back in the 1970’s in Lexington, Kentucky, where he was part of a running club lovingly known as the Todds Road Stumblers. He enjoyed biking, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, and working on his 1978 red Corvette. He was a kind, gentle man who touched many lives with his generous spirit and dedication to helping others. And, above all else, he was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marilyn Pike; his two daughters and sons-in-law, Becky and Andy Taylor, of Charlotte, and Emily and Perry Allen, of Wilmington; three grandchildren, Anna Taylor, and Laney and Kiah Allen; and his four siblings, Robert Pike, Barbara Dillingham, Anthony Pike and Linda Pike.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 26, at Andrews Market Street Chapel, 1617 Market St., Wilmington. A reception will immediately follow at the American Legion Post 10 at 702 Pine Grove Drive.
The family wishes to thank the Post 10 and the Honor Guard, and Mission BBQ, for their help and support during this time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the American Legion Post 10 Honor Guard, P.O. Box 3094, Wilmington, NC 28406.