Gerald Parson Nettleton, Jr.

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IN  LOVING  MEMORY  OF

Gerald Parson Nettleton, Jr.

March 12, 1936 — December 20, 2023

 

OBITUARY

Jerry Nettleton, beloved husband, father and friend passed away, peacefully, on December 20, 2023.

Born to Gerald Parsons Nettleton Sr. and Durlene Nettleton on March 12,1936 in Los Angeles. Jerry grew up and lived in Fresno his entire life, on the same street in the Old Fig Garden neighborhood he loved.

After attending Menlo Preparatory school in Palo Alto, he graduated from Fresno High School class of 1955 where he played football.

Following high school, he joined the Army Reserves. After basic training at Fort Ord in Monterey, California, he was stationed at Madigan General Hospital, Ft. Lewis in Tacoma, Washington where he truly enjoyed the time he served as an Army cook. Perhaps, this was the beginning of his love of cooking. Portions needed some downsizing later, though.

Upon completing his time in the service, he joined the family-owned 7 Up Bottling Company serving the San Joaquin Valley. A hard working, ethical man, he learned every aspect of the business and developed strong skills in management and customer service, winning many achievement awards along the way. In the early1980’s, he rose to president of the company.

A keen animal lover, he always had a loyal dog by his side, including his current sweet little Lady. He found great joy in the hummingbirds and squirrels in his yard. He was a former board member of the Fresno Humane Society and supporter of the Fresno Chaffee Zoo.

Known as Skeet to his family and close friends, he was involved in the community as member of the 20-30 Club where he met all of his good, long time friends.

He was very social, hosting many large and memorable parties at his home. He was a fan and supporter of Fresno State football enjoying many a tailgate gathering, and sponsored Fresno State Basketball for years.

In later years, inspired by the many family trips he enjoyed as a youth, he embraced cruising to Alaska, South America, Hawaii, South Pacific, New England, the Caribbean, Mexico, UK, Russia, Europe and the Mediterranean. A fan of engineering marvels, he particularly liked going through the Panama Canal, and did so many times.

Ships weren’t the only mode of travel Skeet enjoyed. He happily captained the family boat, a Chris-Craft Commander, from the Stockton Delta to Tiburon every chance he got during the family summer vacations. He was thrilled to travel on trains, even braving one from Fresno to Branson, not quite the same as the northern route on a roomy train to Chicago in his younger years. He once ventured high in the sky in Germany via hot air balloons with friends. But, one of his favorite ways of getting around were his Corvettes. He really loved his cars, once getting stopped for speeding and having the policeman comment on the “fuzz buster” on the dash, which clearly seemed to be for decoration, only.

He had an unmatched sense of whimsy, surrounding himself with Grinches, Yetis, and numerous amusing animated figures. He loved Christmas and Halloween (he was known by the neighborhood kids as the “candy man” for the full sized bars he gave out), and of course, country music. But most of all, he loved his family and friends. For years, he spent summers with his family and all of his friends in Aptos and Santa Cruz at what they warmly referred to as “Fresno Beach”.

He was kind and generous with a strong moral code. He would give you the shirt off his back. The happy curmudgeon will be sorely missed.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 38 years, Patricia Nettleton; his parents, Gerald and Durlene Nettleton; and his sister, Marsha Nettleton.

He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Lori Nettleton and husband Colin Campbell; sister, Joanne Kunkel and husband Donald Kunkel; niece, Kimberly Reeves and husband Robb Reeves (grand niece and nephew, Ryan Reeves, Dane Reeves); nephew, Shawn Kunkel and wife Sam Kunkel.

 

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Planned for the spring.

Date to be announced.

 

DONATIONS

No Wagging Tails Left Behind

www.nwtlb.org

 

GOIN’  HOME

by William Arms Fisher

Goin’ home, goin’ home,

I’m a goin’ home;

Quiet like, some still day,

I’m just goin’ home.

It’s not far, just close by,

Through an open door;

Work all done, care laid by,

Going to fear no more.

Mother’s there expecting me,

Father’s waitin’ too;

Lots of folk gathered there,

All the friends I knew.

Home, home, I’m goin’ home!

Nothin’ lost, all’s gain,

No more fret nor pain,

No more stumblin’ on the way,

No more longin’ for the day,

Going to roam no more!

Mornin’ star lights the way,

Restless dream all done;

Shadows gone, break of day,

Real life just begun.

There’s no break, there’s no end,

Just a livin’ on;

Wide awake, with a smile

Goin’ on and on.

 

 

“May God touch you

with His healing hand

and give you the peace and comfort

you need to get through.”

Anon.

 

 

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