Lester Dee Jerrell

November 9, 1924 - February 20, 2019

Rose Hill, VA Lester Dee Jerrell, 94, of Rose Hill, VA, went to his heavenly home on Wednesday, February 20, 2019. He was a proud World War II veteran, serving in the 17th Airborne “Screaming Eagles” Division. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and participated in Operation Varsity, which was the largest airborne operation in history. Operation Varsity was a large-scale aerial assault designed to drop glider troops and paratroopers behind enemy lines on the eastern side of the Rhine River. He was a member of Silver Leaf Baptist Church for 64 years where he faithfully served as a deacon and Sunday School Superintendent. He retired from the maintenance department of Lee County Public Schools and was a dedicated farmer. He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Bonnie Langley Jerrell, an infant son, Paul, parents, Robert and Ollie VanHuss Jerrell, two brothers, Russell and Robert, Jr. (June) Jerrell, and two sisters, Lois Hensley and Lila Mae Thomas. He is survived by son Harold (Nancy) Jerrell, daughter JoAnn (Dr. O’Dell) Wilson, five grandchildren, Scottie (Allison) Jerrell, Jared (Sheila) Wilson, Mark Jerrell, Dr. Erin (Joe) Reasor, Kelli (Nathaniel) Mooney, five great-grandchildren, Emilee Jerrell, Andrew Jerrell, Jacob Mooney, Hunter Mooney, Gabe Wilson, one sister, Marie Thomas, one brother, Ray (Rosanna) Jerrell, and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 23, 2019, at Robinette Funeral Home in Rose Hill, VA from 5:00PM until 7:00PM. Funeral services will follow at 7:00PM with Rev. Scottie Jerrell and Elder O’Dell Wilson officiating. Graveside services will be conducted at 1:00PM on Sunday, February 24, 2019, at Ingle Cemetery in Rose Hill, VA. Pallbearers will be Steve Jaynes, Gary (Pee Jib) Buchanan, Darrell Hall, Jared Wilson, Joe Reasor, and Nathaniel Mooney. Family and friends are requested to meet at the funeral home on Sunday at 12:30PM to proceed to the funeral home. Robinette Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.