Jerry J. Vaughn passed away peacefully at the Cornerstone Hospice House on September 5, 2025, surrounded by loved ones, after a five year struggle with Alzheimer’s. He was born in Kent, Ohio on October 29th, 1939.
Jerry was one of 6 children growing up without a father who passed away when he was only 3 years of age. Dedicated to academics and athletics, Jerry excelled at both, attending Kent Roosevelt HS, earning All-Metro Conference honors in both Football as a QB/LB and in Basketball as a PG along with being a member of the National Honor Society. His basketball team played in the Ohio High School State Championship in 1957.
Jerry earned an academic and athletic scholarship at Ohio Wesleyan where he majored in mathematics and physics while earning 4 varsity letters in basketball. He was also a member of the Gamma Chapter of Sigma Chi. His academic journey continued at Samford University earning an MBA.
Jerry spent his entire working career in the rubber and plastics industry eventually becoming the President and CEO of Philpott Rubber Company, located in Cleveland, Ohio. Jerry held that leadership position at Philpott from 1981 to 1996 before retiring and moving to Florida.
Jerry is survived by his two sons, Greg and Jeff, his two grandsons, Gregory and Matthew, and his life partner, Angela Vickers. A celebration of life will be announced later.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Community United Methodist Church, 309 College Ave., Fruitland Park, FL 34731.