Jerry J. Wair

Jerry J. Wair was born on March 30, 1938, in East St. Louis, Illinois to Ezelle and Laura Wair. He was the oldest of three sons.

He attended Lincoln High School in East St. Louis, graduating with Honors in 1955. Shortly after graduating, he toured with the Wings Over Jordan Choir for a period of time before enlisting in the US Coast Guard in September of 1956. Years later, while stationed on the banks of the Ohio River in Cincinnati, Jerry attended a social gathering in the West End with a close friend, whereby he met the love of his life, Miss Bobbie N. Johnson, whom he united with in Holy Matrimony on November 14, 1959 at the Jerriel Baptist Church. To this union, they were blessed with two children: Baron and Terri.

In the early 1960’s, Jerry and his wife became members of First Baptist Church of Kennedy Heights under the pastorship of the late Rev. Earl S. Wagner. Instantly immersing themselves within the church as members of the Inspirational and Mass Choirs, as the years progressed Jerry served in various minis-tries landing first as member, then President of the church Trustee Board for a period of years. He and his wife, Bobbie were pillars within the Church community.

After being honorably discharged from the Coast Guard in the early 60’s, Jerry was employed at both Cincinnati Water Works and P&G before accepting a position in Management at General Electric in Evendale, where he remained employed for over 30+ years. During this time, he and his wife, Bobbie realized their dream of home ownership and broke ground on their new home in Hollydale, August of 1966. There within the Holly-dale community, he served on the Hollydale Civic Association as the President, in addition to he and Bobbie spearheading the Beautification Committee.

With furthering his education as a goal, Jerry graduated from the University of Cincinnati obtaining both his Associate and Bachelor Degree(s) of Science in Industrial Management at Raymond Walters College (UC Blue Ash) and the University of Cincinnati - Clifton Campus, during the late 1970’s. He served during that time as Vice President, later President of UC’s United Black Association (UBA), actively raising awareness and invoking change, in terms of student advocacy.

After graduation, his ventures and hobbies included role of

Sales & Marketing Manager for Bestline soap and cleaning pro-ducts, followed by ventures in Real Estate, Insurance Broker-age, Freelance Photography and Certification as Master Gardner by the OSU - Hamilton County Extension.

He was a very hard worker, who believed in playing just as hard. “Take care of business now…so you can play later” was a phrase iterated often in the Wair household, and that he did indeed. As a devoted Husband, Father and member of the First Baptist Kennedy Heights and Hollydale communities, Jerry was loved and revered by many and leaves to mourn: his loving Wife of over 62 years, Bobbie Wair; Son, Baron Wair (Janice); Daughter, Terri Wair-Corbett; three Grandchildren, Rachel Wair, Julian Wair (Chynna) and Temple Corbett; two Great-Grandchildren, Kayden and River; and a host of endearing Family, Friends and Neighbors. His presence and spirit will be deeply missed.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jerry J. Wair, please visit our floral store.