Jerry Weaver, 94, passed away on February 20, 2026, at his home in Rainbow City, Alabama, with his family by his side.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 73 years, Irene Ball Weaver; his parents, J.B. and Jackie Weaver; his brother, John Weaver; his sister, Bobbie Florer; and his great-grandson, Colby Vinson.
Jerry is survived by his sons, Harold (Denise) Weaver and Daryl (Tonia) Weaver; his grandchildren, Jason (Carla) Weaver, Jennifer (Brian) Graham, Maegan (Brad) Minton, and Joseph (Jennie) Weaver; his great-grandchildren, Alexis (Andrew) Willis, Derek (Faith) Graham, Lauren Weaver, Anna Scott Weaver, Jax Weaver, and C.J. Weaver; and his great-great-grandchildren, Presley Vinson, Andersyn Rae Willis, Amelia Drue Willis, Blakely Faith Graham, and Baker Allen Graham.
He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Vecha Weaver, Pauline McDaniel, Margie Hanson, and Mattie Bill Turner; many special nieces and nephews; and special friends Neville Smith and Clyde Phillips.
Jerry was born on Sexton Creek in Clay County, Kentucky. He graduated from Annville Institute in 1950, where he developed a love for the skilled trades. In 1951, he moved to Dayton, Ohio, where he was reacquainted with Irene Ball, a young woman from back home. They were married on March 8, 1952.
He began his career as a Tool and Die apprentice with International Tool. In 1958, the company relocated him to Gadsden, Alabama, to train others in the trade — a role that sparked his lifelong passion for mentoring and workforce development.
In 1962, Jerry and Irene took a leap of faith and founded Dixie Tool & Die. He was later joined by his brother, John Weaver, and brother-in-law, Dave McDaniel. What began as a small operation grew into Mid-South Industries, a multinational holding company. Jerry always credited the company’s success to its dedicated employees.
A strong advocate for skilled trades, Jerry worked alongside the late Congressman Tom Bevill and Gadsden State Community College leadership to secure funding for what became the Bevill Center. He served as past president of the Gadsden Chamber of Commerce and held positions on numerous boards. In 1980, he served as president of the National Tooling & Machining Association, traveling across the country and testifying in congressional hearings to promote skilled trades education.
While Jerry achieved much professionally, his greatest joy was his family. In May 2025, he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized in July. His family rejoices in knowing that he and Irene are now together in the arms of the Lord.
Jerry was a member of White Springs Baptist Church and a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason.
Pallbearers will be Jason Weaver, Joseph Weaver, Brian Graham, Brad Minton, Andrew Willis, and Derek Graham. Honorary pallbearers will be Rick Marbut, Mark Weaver, Jeff Morgan, and Dwight Allen.
The family would like to thank special friends Tonya Morgan and Brenda Hamby, along with caregivers Carol Pooley and Chastity Bowden, for their compassionate care.
Flowers will be accepted.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Rominger Funeral Home in Manchester, Kentucky, with Rev. Mitchell Ball officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 1 p.m. at the funeral home chapel. Graveside services, including Masonic burial rites, will follow at the Weaver Cemetery in Sexton Creek, Kentucky.
A Celebration of Life for both Jerry and Irene will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at White Springs Baptist Church in Rainbow City, Alabama.
Arrangements are entrusted to Rominger Funeral Home.
