Gerald Wilson Metts

North Augusta, SC.......Gerald (Jerry) Wilson Metts, 85, of North Augusta SC, passed away at Select Specialty Hospital (Augusta) on March 13, 2023. He had been in declining health in recent years due to several chronic diseases. Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Linda Carter Metts.

Jerry was born in Augusta, GA on March 11, 1938 to Henry W. and Edith B. Metts. He grew up primarily in Belvedere, SC, other than a few early years when the family lived in Florida and Smithfield, VA. After graduation from North Augusta Senior High School in 1956, he attended Clemson College, where he proudly earned a B.S. in Textile Management in 1964. Jerry took several periods of time away from Clemson to serve in the U.S. Army and to work to earn tuition money. He cherished the lifelong friendships that formed during those college years. 

Jerry was an invaluable employee of The Graniteville Company for 35 years, where he served as a textile production supervisor and quality control manager. 

Jerry was an over-the-top Clemson alumnus: his allegiance and enthusiasm were never in doubt, especially given his almost daily choice to wear Tiger clothing! He was heavily involved in IPTAY and the Aiken County Clemson Club (President Emeritus). He was honored in 2017 with the Super Tiger award (from the Aiken Co. Clemson Club).

Jerry was also an active member of the North Augusta Sertoma Club (President Emeritus), where he was a charter member of the N.A. Club and a lifetime member of Sertoma International. 

His hobbies included "anything Clemson"(especially Tiger football), Triumph motorcycles, and gardening (especially obscure varieties of hot peppers) . He loved traveling with Linda in their RV. For over 30 years, they spent significant time at Twin Lakes (Clemson area), where they gathered with close friends during football season. It was truly their "happy place".

Jerry was predeceased by many beloved family members: parents, Edith Bedenbaugh Metts Cook and Henry Wilson Metts; younger sister, Marsha Metts Holman, whom he dubbed "Presh-Marsh" (short for precious baby Marsha); uncles, Roy L. Bedenbaugh and Ralph F. Bedenbaugh; aunt, Patricia S. Bedenbaugh; and grandparents, Thomas U. and Ethel Elizabeth "Lizzie" Bedenbaugh.

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Linda; niece, Holly E. Holman; brother-in-law, Bob J. Holman (Betty); cousins, Greg, Jeff, and Stuart Bedenbaugh; and aunt, Eleanor O. Bedenbaugh (all residents of the local area).

A memorial service will be held at the Rowland-Ford Funeral Chapel on Sunday, April 16, 2023 at 3:00 PM, Rev. Steve Davis and Rev. Gene Jennings officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning one hour prior to the service. At a later date, Jerry's ashes will be scattered at his favorite place on Earth: Clemson, SC.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the following organizations, if so desired: Aiken Senior Life Services (Meals on Wheels) (1310 East Pine Log Road, Aiken, SC 29803); True North Church of North Augusta, SC (1297 West Martintown Road, North Augusta, SC 29841); or Clemson University IPTAY Annual Fund (scholarships).

That the Tiger's roar may echo
O'er the mountain height.      
                        A.C. Corcoran

(Clemson A & M, Class of 1919)

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