Gerald Francis Wilhelm, 82, of Florence, died peacefully at McLeod Hospice House on June 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
Jerry was born to Joseph (“Al”) and Eloise Peartree Wilhelm in Rochester, New York. He graduated from McQuaid Jesuit High School and later from Rochester Institute of Technology, where he played forward on the basketball team.
He retired as a Director of IBM’s Federal Marketing Programs for the US Army and Navy following an award-winning 25-year career. After leaving IBM, he co-founded BottomLine Solutions (BLS) with fellow former IBMer and lifelong friend, Eric Collier. The successful coaching and consulting firm was based in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and became a leader in helping organizations improve leader effectiveness and overall business performance and efficiency.
An avid boater, fisherman, golfer, and lover of all sports, Jerry will be remembered for his intellect, leadership, athleticism, charisma, and dashing good looks. He had a gift for making others feel heard and valued, and he built lasting friendships and professional relationships throughout his numerous IBM assignments in Rochester, New York City, Hartford, Connecticut, Chicago, Illinois, Columbia, South Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia.
After retiring from BLS, Jerry and Rita enjoyed life on Lake Murray, in Savannah, Georgia, and in The Villages, Florida, before ultimately settling in Rita’s hometown of Florence, South Carolina.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph (“Al”) and Eloise Wilhelm, formerly of Rochester, New York, and Largo, Florida; his younger brother, Tommy Wilhelm (Mercy); and his late wife, Donna Hurd Wilhelm.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, Rita Degenhart Wilhelm of Florence, and their son, Robert Joseph Wilhelm, who, through their loving care, devotion, and countless sacrifices as his primary caregivers, sustained him throughout his long battle with Parkinson’s disease and Lewy Body Dementia. He is also survived by his children from his first marriage, Michael Wilhelm (Tami), Wendy Wilhelm Tully (Matt), and Jennifer Wilhelm Ziehr (Andy); his beloved sister, Judy Brunett (Jim); four cherished grandchildren, Patrick Wilhelm, Jessica Wilhelm, Caleb Ziehr, and Madigan Ziehr; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and former colleagues.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 18, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Florence, with a reception following at the home of Janet and Edwin Dargan in Darlington.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Masterworks Choir.