Jerry M. Whitmire, an educator, author, farmer, and family man, passed away peacefully at his home in Pisgah Forest, NC on December 21, 2024, at the age of 85. Born in 1939 in Rosman, North Carolina, Jerry was the son of Paul and Maxine Whitmire.

Jerry pursued his passion for learning at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Spanish. He completed his graduate studies at the University of Alabama, then accepted a job in Bogota, Colombia, in South America, where he was director of a Bi-National Cultural Center for one year. Most of his career was teaching Spanish at Clemson University, where he inspired countless students with his love of language and culture, and sponsored the monthly Spanish Club.

Outside of the classroom, Jerry found joy in the natural beauty of the Appalachian foothills, running a successful Christmas tree farm near Clemson, South Carolina. His love for the land was matched only by his love for storytelling, which he shared through his memoir, From the Appalachians to the Apennines , a testament to his rich life experiences and thoughtful reflections that have delighted friends and family alike.

Jerry and his wife Bonnie moved back to the mountains of North Carolina in 2012, taking daily walks in Pisgah National Forest where he would share a generous portion of peanuts with the local squirrels. Between walks, Jerry continued to enjoy grilling, gardening, poetry, pondering, writing stories, bush hogging, and long-distance travel, with more than a few trips taken to Italy in his later years. No matter what, he always delighted in coming back home to his beloved Blue Ridge mountains, where he reconnected to the land and traded stories with his former classmates and friends.

Jerry's greatest pride, however, was his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Bonnie Whitmire; his children Anita (Roger), Michael (Samara), and Thomas (Summer), and his grandchildren, Hanna and Jordan Slomianyj, who brought endless joy to his later years. He also leaves behind his sisters, Jan Lee (George) and Sarah Buchanan (Ray), his brother, Milton Whitmire, and many nieces and nephews. All will remember him for his warmth, humor, and kindness, and for his ability to find common ground among all walks of life.

Jerry's legacy of love, learning, and storytelling will be cherished by all who knew him. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date, and in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to a charity of choice.

Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com.