Jerry L. Wilfong passed peacefully from this world into eternal life on July 18, 2026. In his own words, “In death, I’m going to walk from one room to another—and then I’ll be home in Heaven.”
Jerry was born on December 17, 1957, to the late William Grey and Thelma Ruth Smallwood Wilfong.
Also preceding him in death were his wife, Debbie Thacker Wilfong; his sister, Irene Ross; three brothers, Robert Wilfong, Steve Wilfong, and infant Kenny Wilfong; nephew, Ricky Lamb; and father-in-law, Neal Thacker.
He is survived by his son, William Nicholas (Nick) Wilfong; his granddaughter (his reason for living and “Pap’s doll baby”), Brooke Wilfong; his sister, Patty Pletcher; mother-in-law, Phyllis Thacker; sister-in-law, Tina (Doug) Mullendore; brothers-in-law, Steve (Joyce) Thacker and Alec Ross; several nieces and nephews; as well as Mitch Tacy and his fire department family; and many close friends, including Allan Embrey, who stayed with him the night before his death and was present to usher him to Heaven’s gates.
Jerry graduated from Buckhannon-Upshur High School and continued his education at Fairmont State to become an emergency medical technician. After graduation, he joined the Buckhannon Fire Department on January 24, 1983, and served the community for 31 years before retiring in 2013 with the rank of captain.
Jerry was a member of the Buckhannon Moose Lodge and the Buckhannon Elks, and attended the First United Methodist Church.
Friends will be received Monday from 4–8 p.m. at Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home. The funeral will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m., with the Reverend Ed McDaniels officiating. Interment will be at Bailey Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to the Buckhannon-Upshur Fire Department or to Poling-St. Clair to offset funeral expenses.
