Jerry Eugene Whiteside

Jerry Eugene Whiteside, 88, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on May 3, 1937 in Aragon, GA, he was the son of William Eugene “Gene” Whiteside and Mary Easter (Camp) Whiteside.

Jerry dedicated his life to his faith, his family, and serving others. After graduating from the University of Georgia in 1959, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, Field Artillery, US Army. Over a 23-year Active Duty career, Jerry distinguished himself during two combat tours of duty in Vietnam, including the Battle of Ia Drang Valley (recounted in the book and movie “We Were Soldiers”), overseas tours in Germany and England, graduating from the British Army Staff College and US Army War College, rising to the rank of Colonel, and commanding units from Basic Training Companies up to the US Army’s Computer Systems Command. After retiring from the Army, Jerry had another successful 25-year career on faculty at the University of Georgia as Director of Personnel and Staff Development for the College of Agriculture and Georgia’s Cooperative Extension Service, hiring and helping professionally develop County Agents all over the State of Georgia. In both his noteworthy careers, he was widely respected for integrity, calm courage, wise counsel, and selfless service to others.

Above all, Jerry cherished time spent with his loved ones. His four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren (plus one on the way) brought him immense joy, and he loved sharing his love for the beach and the Georgia Bulldawgs with them all. He was an active long-time member of Beech Haven Baptist Church in Athens, GA, serving many years as deacon, bus ministry driver, and single adults Sunday School teacher. At Community Church on St Simons Island, GA, he enjoyed many years of Tuesday and Thursday morning men’s bible studies and annual IronMan men’s retreats.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years (on August 31st), Sylvia Lee Whiteside; his children, Lee Whiteside (Sherry), and Lynn Birdsong (Tim); his grandchildren, Laura Khurana, Jessica Adams (Andrew), Drew Birdsong (Allie), and Jake Birdsong (Stacee); his great-grandchildren, Natalie Khurana, Evangeline Adams, Julie Khurana, Parker Birdsong, and Tatum Birdsong (due in December); siblings, Golda LeGrande (Jay), Norma Jacobs (Butch), and Bob Whiteside (Diane); and many family and friends who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, brother Tatum Whiteside, and sisters Dorothy Godwin and Jacqueline Purser.

A memorial service will be held on August 30, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Community Church, 2700 Frederica Road, St Simons Island, GA. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations designated for Rock Eagle 4-H Center, in memory of Jerry Whiteside, via georgia4hfoundation.org.

His legacy of faith, family, and service to others lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home & Crematory makes this announcement on behalf of the family of Mr. Jerry Eugene Whiteside.