| Jerry Thomas Runyan, 70, passed away on Thursday, March 29, 2012 at Piney Grove Nursing and Rehab Center in Kernersville, NC. A native of Cleveland County he was preceded in death by his father Jerry C Runyan and an infant sister Dorothy Gail Runyan. Jerry attended Special Education classes in the Shelby City School system before he succumbed to Friedreich Ataxia which is a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy. He was a very special person to his family and those that knew him. Jerry enjoyed watching sporting events on television and particularly enjoyed watching the Atlanta Braves, playing golf, and participating in the church softball league. He was a very personable with everyone and never met a stranger. He lived at home with his mother until he needed special care for his Friedreich Ataxia. Jerry moved to High Point in 2006 to be near his brother and resided at Piney Grove Nursing and Rehab Center in Kernersville, NC until his death. Jerry was a member of Elizabeth Baptist Church in Shelby.
Mr. Runyan is survived by his mother, Aileen Wilson Runyan of Shelby, brother, Larry Runyan and wife Jane of Winston Salem, NC; nephew John Runyan and wife Tonya of High Point; niece, Amy Runyan Sweatt and husband Scott of Charlotte; great nephews, Chase Runyan and Nicholas Runyan of High Point; great nieces, Katie Runyan of High Point and Madison Sweatt of Charlotte; two aunts, Mae Wilson Greene of Shelby and Frances Runyan of Earl; and numerous cousins. The family would like to thank the staff of Piney Grove Nursing and Rehab Center for their special care and support.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, March 31, 2012 at Elizabeth Baptist Church. Dr. Rit Varriale will be officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00pm prior to the service in the church sanctuary. At other times the family will be at the home of Gene and Pat Spangler, 1916 Rucker Road, Shelby, NC 28152.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Elizabeth Baptist Church Handyman Ministry, 301 North Post Road, Shelby, NC 28150.
Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Runyan.
Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com
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