Obituary for
Jerry Burr
Jerry Lee Burr 70, of Vero Beach, Florida passed away on November 2nd 2017 surrounded by his loving family.
Jerry was born to Clinton Burr and Margaret (Kelly) Burr on July 28, 1947 in Flint, Michigan. Jerry began his 50 year career in Law Enforcement when he joined the United States Air Force in 1965 where he was deployed to Vietnam during the TET Offensive, which was recognized as some of the worst battles in Vietnam history. Jerry was part of a Sabotage Alert and World Wide Dispersal Alert Team (Anti-Terrorist), he was a member of the 377th Air Commando Military Assistance Command and fought bravely for his country and was honored to do so. Jerry received 4 Valor Above, Beyond the Call of Duty Awards, and an Air Force Commendation Medal among others.
In 1969 Jerry became a field Supervisor for Burns International Security in Los Angeles, California where he supervised several hundred guards. Jerry was on the Command Strike Unit and the Command Special Function Units. He was in charge of Executive Protection Details and wrote Emergency Contracts, he also drove an ambulance for Shafer in Los Angeles which he always considered his most rewarding job after saving numerous lives in the San Fernando Earthquake of 1971.
Jerry moved to Leoni, Michigan in 1971 where he became a patrolman for the Lenoi Township Police department and then moved to Grand Blanc, Michigan in 1972 where he quickly rose through the ranks to become the Chief of Police in 1979. During this time Jerry trained at the FBI National Academy Chief of Police Program and earned many certifications and awards.
Jerry moved to Vero Beach in 1984 to become Director of Security of John’s Island until he retired after 32 years. During this time Jerry continued to work with Law Enforcement as an officer for the Indian River Shores Public Safety Department and a reserve in the Indian River Sheriff's Department, Jerry trained with the US Blue Lighting Strike Force and became an ICE Agent and a Firearms instructor during his years with John’s Island. Jerry loved to teach and taught Security Officer License at Adult Education of Indian River County and the Fort Pierce Police Academy he loved the challenge of working at John’s Island and earned the respect and love of his “troops” and owners alike.
Jerry, never one to sit back retired, in 2016. He then became the owner of Lock Stock and Barrell where he taught Concealed Carry Classes and traveled to Gun Shows throughout Florida.
Jerry belonged to many organizations during his lifetime including The International Association of Chiefs of Police, The National Association of Chiefs of Police, The Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, Tactical Response Association, International Association of Arson Investigation and the American Society for Industrial Security among many other organizations.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 21 years Donna Burr, daughters from a previous marriage Christy (David) Graci, Dawn (Sam) Nelson, and Donna’s son from a previous marriage Tracy Nowland. He is loving remembered by 6 Grandchildren Sam (Sarah) Nelson, Samantha Nelson,Tommy Nowland, Teagan Padelford, Austin Nelson and Zachary Padelford and 1 great Grandchild Eliza Nelson. Jerry is also survived by his brother Richard(Shirley) Burr, Sisters Sharon Smorch, Nancy(Dale) Brummund, Mother-in-Law Glayds Barber, Sisters- in -Law Linda Anderson, Gail(Jim)Lepage, Joyce Krauss and several nieces and nephews. Jerry is welcomed home to heaven where he will be met by his family Clinton Burr, Margaret Hillier, R. Kelly Hillier and Scott Nowland.
Jerry was known for inspiring people in their careers and in their personal life. He had a wealth of knowledge that he shared to anyone who was willing to learn. He will be forever remembered for his undeniable presence, work ethic and incredible sense of humor. He will be deeply missed by all that knew him.
