Jerry Monroe Goins, age 76, passed from death to eternal life on Friday, February 24, 2017 at the VA Hospital in Durham after a battle with Leukemia. Born in Cleveland County on November 14, 1940, he was the son of the late Everett and Vernia McCurry Goins. Jerry was a member of the Episcopal Church. He was graduated from Shelby High School in the Class of 1959 and received an Associate's degree from Cleveland Community College. He retired from the Eaton Corporation in Grover. Jerry served in the U. S Air Force during the Vietnam Conflict and was a member of Am Vets. He received several Air Force Commendations and was honored at the Myrtle Beach Air Base when stationed there. He served in Viet Nam and Germany, and was in the squad that built the Da Nang Airport in Viet Nam. He also served in the Air Force Military Police. He enjoyed traveling abroad and in the USA, learning foreign languages, reading, and car racing and was a collector of Air Force and other memorabilia, books, antiques and music. He especially enjoyed the beaches of the Carolinas and attending Air Force reunions with friends. Jerry was an avid fisherman and a lover of animals, birds and wildlife. He served the Shelby community as a member of the Rescue Squad for a number of years. He treasured and enjoyed his many friends, family and community. He will be remembered by friends for his optimism and love of life.

The family wishes to thank the Oncology staff at Duke University Hospital and the VA Hospital Durham and especially Dr. Richard Lind, Oncologist at the VA Hospital in Asheville, for the extraordinary efforts and care they provided.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Powell Goins; two daughters, Sherry Mayfield and husband Darren of Morganton, and Kelly Moore and husband Derrick of Boiling Springs; a brother, Keith Goins and wife Susan of Greenville, SC; three grandchildren, Justin Mayfield, Brooke Goins, and Bradley Moore; and numerous other family: cousins, nieces and nephews.

Graveside service will be at 2:00pm on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at the VA Cemetery in Black Mountain. The Air Force Gaston County Honor Guard will attend.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials can be made to: Center for American Homeless Veterans, 210 East Broad Street #202, Falls Church, VA 22046 or Salvation Army 305 N. Lafayette Street, Shelby, NC 28150.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Goins.

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com