Alex Jerry Hairel

Our compassionate and loving father and grandfather, Alex Jerry Hairel “Papaw” passed away on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. Jerry was born in Fort Payne, Alabama April 17, 1941 to John Alex and Mildred Inez Hairel. One of the defining moments in Jerry’s early life was his decision to leave home after high school graduation at age the of 18. He moved to Washington, D.C. to work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a fingerprint classifier. After working for the FBI for two years, Jerry enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served our country overseas in Paris, France from 1961-1963. Upon returning to the United States in 1963, Jerry worked for the American Red Cross and RCA Communications and the CIA. From 1965-1967 Jerry worked for NASA in Bermuda as a “GCC”, ground communications controller during the Gemini space shot missions and the first two Apollo missions. In 1967 he was hired by L&N Railroad in Louisville, Kentucky, which would eventually become CSX (Chessie Systems Railroad). In 1977 the railroad moved to Jacksonville, Florida. Finally, after 32 years of service with CSX, Jerry retired in Jacksonville, Florida. On July 17, 1965, Jerry married Judy Ann Mullins in Washington, D.C. Together they had four children, J. Dwayne Hairel, John E. Hairel, Jason D. Hairel and Jennifer A. Hairel and 8 grandchildren. Jerry and Judy were married for 37 years and later divorced. Jerry was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He served in the church in many different capacities. Later in his life he enjoyed visiting his grandchildren, fishing off the dock at Riverton Tower, playing golf, sailing on cruises, eating out, attending the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, and volunteering at the election polls during community, state and national elections. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 4:00 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints chapel, 7665 Fort Caroline Road, Jacksonville, FL. 32277. No viewing will take place at this time. Our father will be laid to rest at Glenwood Cemetery following a service on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at 1:00 pm at Wilson Funeral Home, 3801 Gault Ave. N., Fort Payne, AL 35967, (256) 845-9150. http://www.wilsonfhinc.com/ A viewing will take place on Monday, March 13, 2017 between 5-8pm at Wilson Funeral Home. Flowers may be donated on behalf of dad to Wilson Funeral Home.

Alex Jerry Hairel

April 17, 1941 - March 7, 2017