ORR, JERRY L., JR.

Preacher Jerry Lee Orr, Jr., 85, of Hendersonville, left Pardee Memorial Hospital and arrived in Heaven Tuesday, February 26, 2008.

He was born on November 28, 1922 and was a lifetime resident of Henderson County. A son of the late Jerry Lee Orr, Sr. and Ida Mae Davis Orr, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Ervin D. Orr and Joyce R. Orr.

After graduating from Hendersonville High School in 1940, he joined the Marine Corps and served his country during World War II in the South Pacific.

He surrendered to preach the gospel in 1954 and faithfully served the Lord all his life. He pastored at Berea Baptist Church and was the founding pastor of Gethsemane Baptist Church where he remained until retiring in 2005. One of his greatest joys was to visit the shut-ins and the sick.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 ½ years, Frances Hassler Orr; one daughter, Pat Hartman of Hendersonville; granddaughter, Teresa Renee Acosta and husband Caesar; grandson, Michael Lee Rikard and wife, Gina; four great-grandsons whom he loved dearly, Adam Acosta, Alston Rikard, Carson Rikard and Colton Acosta all of Hendersonville.

A celebration of his promotion to Heaven will take place Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 10:00AM at Gethsemane Baptist Church with Rev. Eric Hardman, Jerry Bivens and Rev. Harold McKinnish officiating. Burial will follow at Berea Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at Gethsemane Baptist Church from 7:00PM to 8:30PM and at other times, the family will be at the residence.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gethsemane Baptist Church for the children’s playground, 1315 Old Spartanburg Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792.