Jerry O’Neil Autry

Jerry O’Neil Autry, age 86, of Dunn went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, August 24, 2026 while at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born on December 30, 1939 in Harnett County to his parents, the late Nelson Othel Autry and Martha Tutor Autry.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his only son, Jerry Wayne Autry; his brothers Eldon Autry and Robert Autry. Also sisters Patricia Watts and Bonnie Autry; son in law, David Crane.

Jerry is survived by his wife of sixty-one years, Shella Kay Autry. Also his three beautiful daughters and their husbands, Tina Crane of Dunn, Timi Jo Addison and Donald of Godwin, and Lawanda Autry and Ronald of Godwin. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Robert “June Bug” Gonzales, Anthony Crane, Jamie Gonzales, Stefanie Gonzales, Autri Parrish and husband Kyle, Dustin Ivey and wife Madison. Also fourteen great grandchildren, five great great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Jerry Autry was a master brick mason, skilled carpenter, and very respected business man. He was self-employed and took great pride in his work. Always learning, he was an avid reader and took great interest in History and was always working crossword puzzles. He loved spending time with his family and taking family trips. Years ago he had a Volkswagen van he called the “bus” and enjoyed taking his family on afternoon rides.

Jerry’s greatest passion was music. As a young man, he learned to play guitar and he played and sang at church. He was a phenomenal musician. He had a music room at home and was also a talented drummer. Learning at a young age, he crafted and perfected his guitar skills throughout his life. Fond family memories for the Autry family and friends include pigpickins, birthday parties, family get-togethers, and celebrations where he would play music with his son, band buddies, and others while everyone danced and sang and enjoyed the fellowship.

He was a loving husband, adored daddy, and cherished papa. Jerry was dearly loved and will be greatly missed here on earth but we will see him again one day in heaven.

Services will be held on Thursday, August 27th, 2026 at the Dunn Funeral Home of Erwin located at 904 Lucas Street, Erwin, NC 28339. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am with funeral at 12:00 noon in the chapel and burial following at Erwin Memorial Park Cemetery at South 18th Street, Erwin, NC.

Dunn Funeral Home of Erwin is honored to serve the family of Jerry O’Neil Autry.