Jerry Lee Gross, 78, of Jay (Allentown), Florida passed away Friday, April 25, 2025, at home after a long battle with Parkinsons Disease.

Jerry was born in Troy, Ohio and graduated from Troy High School. After graduation he enlisted in the US Navy serving aboard the USS Cogswell DD651 (Destroyer) and the USS Bainbridge DLG(N)25 (Guided Missile Frigate) as a Personnelman. Jerry made two West Pac cruises in the Navy. After getting out of the Navy, Jerry worked at Hobart Brothers and Hobart Corporation as a Millwright. The family moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in 1978, and then settled in Jay (Allentown), Florida in 1981. Jerry worked at American Cyanamid and then International Paper as a Millwright until he retired from IP in 2007.

He was preceded in death by his father, Howard R. Gross; mother, Helen Yantis Dunn; brother, Gregory Allen Gross; and grandson Tylor Ryan Gross (Howard & Alisen).

Jerry is survived by his wife of 57 years, Donna Harper Gross of Jay (Allentown), FL., son, Howard R. Gross (Alisen) of Jay (Allentown), FL; son, Jerry Lee Gross Jr. (Donna) of Pensacola, FL; granddaughter, Gabriella Lee Gross of Pensacola, FL; sister, Cheryl Gross Beck of Arlington, TX; brother, Robert (Rusty) Dunn (Alaine) of Piqua, OH; sister, Debbie Lynn Wooddell (Dr. Scott Wooddell) of Rockwall, TX; numerous nieces and nephews, and very dear friends.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Vitas Hospice Pensacola and Visiting Angels for the love and care given to Jerry during these past months.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Baird Funeral Home in Troy, OH with Dr. Scott Wooddell officiating. Interment will follow at Casstown Cemetery with Military Honors. The family will received friends from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM prior to service on Friday at the funeral home. Condolences may be expressed to the family through www.bairdfuneralhome.com.