Jerry Elroy Kight

Jerry Kight, born on September 25, 1945, in Fernandina Beach, Florida, peacefully passed away at home in Blairsville, GA on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, following an extended illness. Jerry was the beloved son of the late Elroy Lonnie Kight and Cecil Davis Kight. 

Jerry graduated from Fernandina Beach High School in 1963, where he had fond memories as a member of the FBHS football team. Jerry started his entrepreneur career as the manager of the Surf Restaurant in Fernandina Beach, FL. Jerry continued his father’s legacy at the Ocean Terrace Motel and Sandbar Restaurant in Fernandina Beach. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to become the proud owner of the first beachfront motel on Amelia Island, The Beachside Motel. After 40 years of hard work, Jerry sold The Beachside Motel and semi-retired to the beautiful North Georgia mountains, where he continued to consult with his sons on the newest family business, The Sawmill Place Restaurant in Blairsville, GA.  

A man of faith, Jerry was a founding member of Amelia Baptist Church where he served as trustee, chairman of the deacons, and chairman of ushers. After relocating to the North Georgia Mountains, Jerry later served as a member and usher at First Baptist Church of Blairsville. He also dedicated his time to delivering Meals on Wheels in Union County. Of the meaningful ministries Jerry had the opportunity to serve, he was most passionate serving the Barnabas Bible Study Group at Union County Nursing Home for 12 years.  

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Mrs. Joy McKendree Kight, and their two sons and daughters-in-law, Wes and Robin Kight, and Shawn and Amy Kight. He is also remembered fondly as Papa by his grandchildren Phillip Kight (Kalyn), Alison (Kight) Sutherland (Brian), Landon Kight, and Emerson Kight, along with great-grandchildren Charlie Sutherland and Evie Kight, as well as his nephew Jimmy Walker, and many more nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mrs. Linda Gail (Kight) Walker.  

Jerry's life was a testament to God's eternal love and redemption – a legacy of The Father’s love for us. 

Funeral services were held on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at First Baptist Church Blairsville, GA. A graveside service is scheduled for February 17, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Bosque Bello Cemetery in Amelia Island, FL. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests support for two organizations that held a special place in Jerry's heart:  

Activities Department at Union County Nursing Home (Address - Attn: Activities Dept, Union County Nursing Home 164 Nursing Home Cir, Blairsville, GA 30512)  

  Georgia Baptist Children’s Home at Palmetto (https://www.georgiachildren.org/donate or Check payable to Georgia Baptist Children's Homes and Family Ministries, Address - P.O. Box 329, Palmetto, GA 30268).