Dr. Gerald "Jerry" Paul D'Arcy, 87, was unable to fight off COVID 19 and took his last breath on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at Gulf Coast Veterans Hospital, Biloxi, MS.

Jerry was born on June 6, 1933 in Jackson, MI to Merlin Wellington D'Arcy and Jesse Elizabeth Sober D'Arcy. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Dorothy "Dottie" Cordell D'Arcy for 65 years, who preceded him in death, July 2019.

Jerry was a proud man who was known for his love of family, his Methodist faith, and his 30- year commitment to the US Air Force. His love of country and service began with ROTC at the University of Texas. After graduation, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, he joined the Air Force. The Air Force sent him to Texas A & M to study Meteorology so he could become a flight weather officer. His next assignment was Boulder, CO to attend the University of Colorado where he received a master's degree in Mechanical Engineering. With assignments thereafter in New Mexico and California he then was selected to the doctorate program at the University of Texas where he was awarded a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering. Upon retirement in 1986, he had attained the rank of Colonel and Director, Office of Scientific Research for the Air Force. After military retirement, he became the Principal Engineer and Vice President of Applied Research Associates at Tyndall AFB, FL until 1995. Retirement finally provided him time to enjoy what he did best, building beautiful furniture which will be treasured by all his family for years to come.

Jerry is survived by his five daughters, Sherry D. Lemen (Donald J., III), Janet L. Kirkland (James C.), Nancy D. D'Arcy, Deborah E. D'Arcy-Friesenhahn (John H.) and Helen E. D'Arcy; grandchildren, Donald J. Lemen IV (Kimberly Damo), David G. Lemen (Elyse Faz), Jesse S. Kirkland, Frederick H. Friesenhahn, Darcy L. Friesenhahn, and Neal M. Friesenhahn; as well as great-grandchildren, Keanu C. Lemen, Aubrey E. Lemen and Skylar A. Lemen.

Visitation will be held 9:30am-10:00am Thursday, December 3, 2020 at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, Pensacola, FL. Funeral cortege will depart Harper-Morris at 10:00am for a graveside service to begin at 11:00am at Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola, FL. Rev. Ashley Meyer of Cokesbury United Methodist Church will officiate.