Jerry Allen Gwaltney, 78, of North East, MD, passed away on November 26, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.
Jerry was born on September 14, 1947 in Oxford, PA to the late Viola Sibble Gwaltney. He graduated from Rising Sun High School in 1965, then served in the Army during the Vietnam conflict from 1966 through 1968, and Army Reserves until 1972. He was a mechanic on Amphibious Landing Crafts. Jerry received the National Defense Service Medal as well as a Marksman Badge.
Jerry married Elizabeth Gwaltney (Adams) on June 10, 1978, and they went on to build a family together. He retired from Aberdeen Proving Ground, where he had worked for over 30 years in Range Control. Jerry was a 50+ year member of American Legion Post 194, having served as its Commander from 1972 to 1973 and a long time member of the Honor Guard. Jerry enjoyed playing golf, woodworking, and watching game shows such as Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, but his pride and joy were his children and grandchildren. He travelled great distances to cheer them on at every sporting and school event. Jerry’s “Granddad Treasure Hunts” were excitedly anticipated and brought joy and many memories.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 47 years, Elizabeth Gwaltney; children: Dawn Marra of Oxford, PA, Jared Gwaltney of Rising Sun, MD and his wife, Katie, and Ryan Gwaltney of Bel Air, MD and his wife, Jessica; and grandchildren: John Marra, Matthew Marra, Ava Gwaltney, Olivia Gwaltney, Jackson Gwaltney and Jamison Gwaltney.
In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Dallas Johnson; son-in-law, Ricky Marra; and granddaughter, Savannah Gwaltney.
A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 11:00AM at R.T. Foard Funeral Home, P.A., 111 S. Queen Street, Rising Sun, MD 21911. Family and friends may attend at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at West Nottingham Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to “Shriners Hospitals for Children” or “Pathfinders for Autism” and sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 248, Rising Sun, MD 21911.