Eight Bells - Jerry Fulp

by Gary Gilbert on 18 Sep 2016 With sadness I wish to inform you of the passing of a great Etchells sailor, Jerry Fulp. Jerry passed away last week at the age of 77 of congestive heart failure that he had been struggling with for the past few years.

Jerry sailed his many boats all over North America and was always a competitor at the Jaguar Cup. Much of the time he was teamed up with his close friend and co-owner, Randy White. They owned and sailed hulls 988 and 1299. If Jerry was not racing an Etchells he was rebuilding one or towing one to a regatta for a buddy.

Jerry held the famous title of the 'The Pizza Man' He started a pizza kit company many years ago when his favorite pizza place closed. Jerry was one of the key features when we sailed at Oriental NC many a spring and fall with 'pizza nite!' Something we will all remember.

Jerry had talents many of us did not know of because of his humble nature. He self-taught himself the piano and the organ, which he played at church for 47 years. Jerry, a master mechanic for RJ Reynolds, also competed at a high level in go-carts that he designed, built and drove.

Jerry is survived by his lovely wife Kay, children Jennifer and Kerry plus four grandchildren.

As we all start gearing up to return to Florida for the 'Jag' series, we will be missing a true friend.