Jerry Nelson McLelland, 79, was born on October 30, 1942, and passed away on February 15, 2022. Jerry spent his entire life in Statesville, N.C.

Jerry passed away peacefully at Gordon Hospice House in Statesville, where he had been for only five hours, but he had suffered wit COPD for many years.

Jerry blossomed when he was attending D. Matt Thompson Junior High School with his athletic abilities in football, basketball, baseball and track. He then went to Scotts High School and graduated from Central High School as a four-star athlete. After high school, Jerry attended Mitchell Community College. He loved and excelled in his taxidermy work for many years. Jerry retired from the City of Statesville Street Department after 19 years of service. After his retirement, Jerry enjoyed living on the Poole farm, watching old movies and watching old Western TV shows. He also loved his dogs.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Graham McLelland, who was killed during WWII; his mother, Pauline Miller Gallyon; his half-brother, Robert Abernathy; and his first step-grandson, Trei Hrabar.

Surviving is his wife of thirty-four years, Carolyn Poole McLelland; his dearly loved step-children, Amy Lyerly Hrabar (Phil) and Robert Lyerly Jr. (Penny); and his step-grandsons, Michael Hrabar, Andrew Hrabar and Dillon Whitley, all of Statesville.

A special thank you goes out to Claudia Gordon, Jerry’s regular Hospice nurse, as well as the other nurses and staff at Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County.

No service arrangements have been made at this time.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of Iredell County, Iredell County Animal Rescue or Piedmont Animal Rescue. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.troutmanfuneralhome.com.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.