Jerry Carrier

Jerry Ray Carrier, age 71, passed away on April 28th in Leesburg, Florida. He was born in Madison, West Virginia, on September 12th, 1952, and grew up in Griffithsville, West Virginia, before moving to Florida with his family. To many, he was J.C., but to his family, he was their beloved husband, Dad, and Pop. He's survived by his loving wife, Glenda Carrier; his two sons, Kevin (Jill) and Kraig Carrier born to his first wife, Carol; grandchildren, Morgan, Reed, Trent, and Bryson; and siblings, James L. Carrier and Penny Yoachim Carrier. Sadly, his parents, Vivian and Lewis Carrier, and loving siblings, Patsy, Joseph, and Pam Carrier, passed before him. A true outdoorsman, his passion for fishing, hunting, and collecting arrowheads was matched only by his ability to tell stories –stories of the ones that got away and all those that didn't. Most often, starting with "long story short," foreshadowed it wouldn't be short at all. He had a gift for taking you on a journey with expressive descriptions, impersonations, and incredible attention to detail; you could almost smell the fish (or whatever else the story was about). No matter the topic, his stories were legendary, and they will forever keep us connected to his memory. An avid Beatles fan, J.C. always knew he'd "get by with a little help from his friends." In most cases, those friends were his colleagues from the Fire Department, and that "little help" was a rum & coke. J.C. joined the Ocoee Fire Department in 1973 before starting with Reedy Creek on January 16th, 1979. Over the years, he held various roles, including Fireman/Paramedic (1979-1989), Shift Coordinator (1990-1994), and Lieutenant (1995-2009). His unwavering dedication to his work and his deep respect for his "ol' buddies" from the fire department were truly admirable. His second home in Georgia was always near and dear to him. Peaceful and quiet. It was his perfect place. His ashes will be scattered there forever and always, peaceful and quiet. That is, except for when his rowdy huntin' buddies swing by to swap a few of his legendary stories like that of the infamous "Herbert-Buck." His Celebration of Life service will be at The Venetian Center, 1 Dozier Cir, Leesburg, FL. 34748, in the Harris Room on May 11th, from 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, feel free to donate to the The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation at https://www.firehero.org/donate/. When donating, please click “This gift is in honor, memory, or support of someone,” and please make your donation in his name, J.C. Carrier, Lieutenant IV, Reedy Creek, FL. Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home of Leesburg, Florida.

Jerry Carrier

September 12, 1952 - April 28, 2024