Jerry Allen Sory's Obituary
Jerry Allen Sory, aged 76, passed away while encircled by loved ones on July 29th, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Jerry attended South High School and Weber State University. At the age of 17, he joined the United States Air Force, serving for 4 years. Jerry always felt a deep sense of loyalty and patriotism for his country that would remain with him throughout his life. After leaving the military, Jerry spent more than 40 years working as a long haul truck driver,crossing the United States and Canada many times. He spent many years driving as a team with his wife Gayle Jensen Sory. They raised four children together and made many lasting memories across the miles. No matter how cramped the space was that they lived in, or how long the road, Gayle made sure that they were looking their best and were starched to perfection when they stepped out of their immaculate semi. Even Jerry's blue jeans could not escape being pressed.
Jerry and Gayle both loved working with wood and building projects. They made many improvements to their home over the years and always had a well organized wood shop. Sadly, Gayle passed away May 16, 2011 after a heart breaking battle with cancer. Jerry then retired, and struggled to go on without his lifelong companion. Jerry had also battled cancer, losing his right lung, and was left with many problems in his remaining lung until the disease finally took his life.
Gayle and Jerry belonged to a special group of friends who, in many ways, became a family of their own over the years. Through this group, and because of the commitment made to care for one another, Jerry met and married his current wife Laura Simonson in December of 2012. During their time together, Jerry had an opportunity to enjoy some firsts in his life. He was able to attend his first concert and first live play. Jerry decided to pursue a hobby in wood carving, joining a carving class at the Sandy Senior Center and later joining the Great Salt Lake Wood Carvers on Tuesday nights at Wheeler Farm. He made so many good friends and discovered a hidden talent. He later expanded his wood working to include making Native American flutes which he enjoyed very much.
Jerry has also been blessed with the fellowship and love that he found in his neighbors and friends at church. During the past year and a half, he made the decision to return to church and strengthen his relationship with his Savior. Jerry was able to receive his endowment in the Draper temple in November of 2018 despite having many medical challenges. So many good people have stepped up and offered to help during this time. In September of 2018 Jerry had a terrible accident that temporarily blinded him in the right eye. After emergency surgery, there were many follow-up appointments and complications requiring an endless series of medical appointments that required rides from friends and neighbors as Laura was still working full-time. Jerry developed an especially close relationship with Joe and Pam Cyr. We are so grateful for their help and encouragement and willingness to arrange rides, haul his wheelchair in their van, help with medical appointments and show unconditional love to both Jerry and Laura.
When Jerry made his last trip to the VA hospital, he had slipped into unconsciousness and we knew that time was short. He was transferred to a hospice room where his friends gathered around to bid their final farewell. Amazingly, we were granted one last miracle. For about an hour, Jerry woke from his comatose state and could see his friends surrounding him. He was able to communicate enough to acknowledge those that were present and they were able to speak to him briefly. He even managed to tell a joke or two and made sure that everyone knew that he "always won" in our card games, and that he was a "funny, funny guy". When asked if he had a message to take back to his friends at church Jerry responded "Love everyone....and hallelujah!"
As Jerry took his final breaths on this earth his friends circled his bed, held his hands, kissed his forehead, and bid him farewell." it was a beautiful ending for someone who was greatly loved.
We would like to express our thanks to the VA hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah for their care and kindness to our family. Despite passing in the middle of the night, Jerry was provided with an honor guard and procession led by other veteran officers from his room.
Jerry is survived by his siblings Dennis Sory, Jim Sory (Colleen), and Penney Young (Bob) and his children Terri Sory, Jeff Sory, Tammy Sory and Thomas Sory (Laurie).
Funeral services will be held August 10th at 11:00 a.m. at the Old Mission Ward Chapel located at 1433 East Old Mission Road Sandy, Utah. A viewing will be held at the same address August 9th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome in Jerry's name to an animal rescue organization of your choice, or to the Great Salt Lake Carving Club at Wheeler Farm.
What’s your fondest memory of Jerry?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jerry?
Share a story where Jerry's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jerry you’ll never forget.
How did Jerry make you smile?