Jerry Gordon Scarboro

November 25, 1928 - July 31, 2019

WIMAUMA, FL - Jerry Gordon Scarboro, 90, of Wimauma, Florida, passed away peacefully at 7:02 PM on July 31, 2019. He was surrounded by all his children and close family members. Jerry was born in Willie, Georgia on November 25, 1928 to the late Robert and Edith Scarboro, one of six children. Jerry succeeded and has rejoined his wife of nearly 65 years, Frieda “Helen” (Lownsdale) Scarboro who passed away April 26, 2015. He served in the U.S. Army in Korea from January 18, 1952 to September 30, 1953, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class in just 20 months of combat. Upon his return to his newlywed Helen in Miami, Florida, the couple moved to Wimauma to begin a rural lifestyle for their family; first in farming, and then in building construction. Jerry has had a hand in thousands of southern Hillsborough County construction projects, on structures of all kinds. He was among the very first class of contractors to obtain a contractor’s license in Hillsborough County. He was actively involved in his trade through the age of 82. He was a devout Christian, husband, father, patriot, church leader, community servant, builder of structures and character, and an avid fisherman – any day of the week, except Sunday. Jerry also enjoyed many years of league bowling, golf, softball, church activities, card games, camping, fishing and fellowship with other families. Jerry is survived by all of his children: Jay Scarboro (Babson Park, FL) and his wife Marion Scarboro, Jan Scarboro-Hutchins (Valrico, FL) and her husband Robert Hutchins, Gary Scarboro (Oviedo, FL), and Scott Scarboro (Babson Park, FL). He is survived by eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Barbara Weber (Tallahassee, FL), Patricia Hill (Lexington, NC) and David Scarboro (Dahlonega, GA). Jerry was preceded in death by his siblings Suzanne (Scarboro) Gilbert and Bobby Scarboro. Jerry was deeply involved with the First Baptist Church of Wimauma, along with Helen, for over 50 years, serving in many roles and capacities. He was ordained there as a Deacon in 1958. He was the builder of the church’s sanctuary in which his funeral will be held and of the Fellowship Hall in which his Celebration of Life will take place. He loved and served his family and community with reverence to his Christian faith. Those who knew him, also know he was the life of the party, a singer, storyteller, natural leader, comedian and entertainer. Most of all, Jerry Scarboro was a good man, who lived with dedication and humility. There will be visitation with friends and family at 11 am, Thursday, August 8th at the First Baptist Church of Wimauma, 5701 Camp Street, Wimauma, Florida, 33598; followed by his funeral service at Noon with Troy Walliser officiating. Burial with military honors will take place at Fellowship Memorial Cemetery. Afterwards, a celebration of Jerry’s life – a Fish Fry - will take place at the First Baptist Church of Wimauma. As Jerry would want, all are welcome.