Jerry S. Lucas, 68, of Pooler, Ga., died on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016 in his home.
Jerry was born in Moline, Ill., to the late Clifford and Esther Lucas. He served his country in the U.S. Navy, was on active duty from 1968-1972, and was a Purple Heart Recipient due to combat in Vietnam. Jerry graduated from Western Illinois University with a Bachelors of Science degree and continued his post-graduate work in the field of botany. He retired from both the CIA, and Lockheed Martin, where he received awards for innovative programs and initiatives with his work for the government. Throughout his various career experiences, he combined his knowledge and enthusiasm for education, photography, technology, medicine, and anthropology. He also helped to map the Mayan Ruins in Northern Yucatan and the wetlands of the Tennessee Tombigbee River.
Jerry’s heart was in his faith, which he served through local, national, and international mission efforts, including his advocacy for Apple of His Eye ministries, and trips to Macau and Haiti. He was an avid naturalist, a wetlands guide at Huntley Meadows, and had recently begun volunteering at Oatland Island and the Ogeechee Canal. A serial hobbyist, Jerry loved any excuse to buy a new gadget. He was always present for encouragement and excited to share in family celebrations. Jerry had lived for the past 33 years in Alexandria before moving to Pooler last summer.
Survivors include his wife, Lois Lucas; children and their spouses, Matthew Jason Lucas and Kendra, Justin Theodore Lucas, Gregory Paul Lucas and Catherine, and Andrea Marie Korb and Christopher; grandchildren, Evan Paul, Lianne-Maia, Logan Augustus, Levi Ellis, and Aiyanna. He is also survived by several cousins, nieces and nephews.
The memorial service will be on Friday, Sept. 16 at Trinity Lutheran Church, located at 12391 Mercy Boulevard in Savannah. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. with the memorial service beginning at 11:30 a.m. The graveside service and burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Hillcrest Abbey West Cemetery.
Donations to the following missions are welcomed in lieu of flowers: Trinity Lutheran Comfort Dog Ministry of Savannah, Ga., Tents of Mercy, Armed Forces Ministry of the LCMS, or Lutheran Hour Ministries. Of course, what Jerry would have liked most is that you go out and share the Gospel.
Friends may sign the online register book at www.stricklandandsonsfuneralhome.com
Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes is in charge of arrangements.