Gerald Dean “Jerry” Foran, age 73, of The Villages, FL, was called home to his lord and savior as he slept on Friday, June 7, 2019. Jerry was born June 23, 1945, in Abingdon, VA, to the late Clarence Foran and Bessie Goodson. He was raised on a farm and attended Abingdon High School.
In 1965 Jerry joined the US Army, where he was stationed out of Fort Bragg, NC. He was in the Special Forces during Vietnam and took pride in being a member of the Green Beret. Jerry attained the rank of Colonel. Jerry was a mechanic by trade and had his own service station while living in Florida, in the 1970s. Once he moved back to Virginia he spent many years working for the Chrysler Corporation. Once those days were over, he could always be found tinkering with cars and trucks. Those who knew Jerry know of his love of music! At the young age of 5 he taught himself to play the guitar and later the banjo. Throughout his life Jerry played many events and venues including the Statue of Liberty rededication and the Grand Ole Opry. He was always excited about “jam sessions” and eager to share his talents both on stage and in the classroom and teaching at the local music store. Jerry traveled to all sorts of music festivals with his band, The Bluegrass Revolution, and could be found around town performing at local events as well.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, two sisters, his beautiful granddaughter, Nicole, twin grandsons, Austin and Alex, and James Dylan. Survivors include his soul mate, Kathy (Katie) Long; sons Jerry Lee Foran (Allie) and James (Robin); daughter, Julie Moore. Step-children; Christopher (Amanda), Katherine (Jeffrey) and Michael (Michelle); and grandchildren Aki, Nicholas, Grayson, Madison, Gavin, Jacob and Hannah. Pallbearers will be Grayson Moore, Christopher Enlow, Michael Enlow, Jeffrey Vallier, Jerry Foran, Nicholas Foran, and Jacob Madellin.
Visitation will be on Monday, June 17, 2019 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Beyers Funeral Home, 134 North Hwy 27/441, Lady Lake, FL. The Service will also be held at Beyers Funeral Home in Lady Lake on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at 10:00 am. Interment will be at Florida National Cemetery at 12:30 am with full military honors.
