Gerald ("Jerry") Betz, 88, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2025. He was a beloved family man, successful business owner, and dedicated service member.

Born in Garden City, Michigan to Charles and Thelma Betz, Jerry graduated from Wayne Memorial High School in 1954. He served four years in the U.S. Air Force as an airborne radio operator in South Korea and the Philippines. After his service, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Jerry was an engineer at Cape Canaveral (Kennedy) Space Center during the formative and innovative years of the space program. He worked on the Apollo/Saturn systems as well as the Titan III, Mercury Redstone, and Pershing missiles which powered early space flights. A self-made man, Jerry was president of a thermoform/vacuum forming business for 30 years and lived in Milan, Michigan. He "retired" and moved to Port Orange, Florida; however, Jerry never really retired. He utilized his mechanical talents on a part-time basis with RJ Landscaping until just a few months ago.

Jerry married the love of his life, Joyce Guerette, of Portland, Maine in 1958. Family life was at the center of Jerry and Joyce's world. They travelled anywhere and everywhere to support their children or grandchildren's activities and events. With their motor home, they crisscrossed the country visiting family and sightseeing. Boating, fishing, and skiing were also family favorites.

Jerry was always willing to help neighbors and friends, day or night. He liked to joke that "the first time you enter my house, you are a stranger; the second time, you are a habit." He often opened his home to family and friends in need.

Jerry had a life-long interest in playing and watching sports. He excelled at basketball, golf, racquetball, and softball. His basketball court at the family home was legendary for competitive games with the high school kids. Jerry remained physically active with a regime of push-ups and sit-ups every morning.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Joyce, son Jerry (Beth) Betz, daughter Joni (Dean) Hendrickson, grandchildren Bret (Laura) Hendrickson and great grandchild Hudson, Kyle (Jamie) Hendrickson and great grandchild Parker Hendrickson, grandchildren Kayla (Chase) Betz Barry, and Jamie (Bobby) Loosch; brothers Allen (Margaret) Betz, Norman (Donna) Betz, and Calvin (Mary Lynn) Betz; and many nieces and nephews who will cherish memories of their "Big Jer" and "Pops".

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 1 at Our Deck Down Under, Port Orange, from noon – 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Folds of Honor, www.foldsofhonor.org