Jerry E. Portwood

Posted on January 14, 2026

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Jerry Edward Portwood, 75, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Born in Portsmouth, Ohio, on July 1, 1950, to Erma and William “Bill” Portwood, Jerry passed away in Tallahassee on Jan. 11, 2026. Jerry loved his family dearly, cared deeply about their daily lives and treasured every opportunity to be around them. In the times between, he would speak with them often by telephone, giving advice, comfort and wisdom gained from a life fully lived. Jerry’s children meant the world to him, and he cared deeply for his wife, Rhonda, and his sister, Billie. Some of his favorite times were spent on the water, as he was passionate about fishing with his children on the Gulf of America and had a lifelong love for taking part and watching speed boat racing. While he drove his truck below the posted speed limit, there were no limits to how fast he loved to fly across the surface of the water, highlighted by a 98 mph run driving his son, Bud’s, boat. Jerry enjoyed the freedom of traveling in his RV with his wife, Rhonda, visiting many places around the U.S. and visiting his sister, Billie, in Ohio in recent years. Known for his sense of humor and sharp wit, Jerry could make anyone laugh in just a few short minutes. Although he told many jokes repeatedly over the years, his gift of comedic storytelling would result in laughter and tears again and again. After graduating high school, Jerry was awarded a math scholarship to attend Ohio State University (OSU), before working for American Standard as vice-president of sales, where he met Gwendolyn Sue Young. They married in 1975 and had 12 children (plus one adopted child for a “baker’s dozen). After relocating to Taylor County, Jerry and Gwen managed what would later become the Old Pavilion Restaurant before founding Zodiac Pizza, a popular local restaurant located in Perry for many years. Always an entrepreneur, Jerry went on to create and manage several other small family-owned businesses, including clothing and apparel stores, a cottage bakery specializing in homemade bread, lawn service, online bookstore and a vending machine venture. On Jan. 1, 2000, Jerry married Rhonda Raulerson, and the couple relocated to Siloam Springs, Ark., where Jerry opened a small restaurant and worked as a real estate agent for Century 21. Later, they returned to Florida and lived in Inverness, where he operated an Amazon bookstore, buying and selling thousands of books, before working as office manager in Rhonda’s law firm. He later owned and operated a vending machine business and lawn service for several years. Jerry was predeceased by his parents, Erma and Bill Portwood. He leaves behind his wife of 26 years, Rhonda Raulerson Portwood, as well as his children: Aaron (Amy) Portwood, Sabra Portwood, Eric (Ronya) Portwood, Selena Portwood, Derek (Kristi) Portwood, Sarah Sprinkle, Sabrina (Chris) Michel, Darrin (Ally) Portwood, William (Christine) Portwood, Amanda (Mukesh) Patel, Hannah (Rodham) Kenner, Jacob (Cassie) Portwood and Emilia Villagomez; his stepchildren, Kellan (Christina) Wisenbaker and Katrina (Austin) Van Loock; his sister, Billie Sherman; his niece, Angela Sherman; his nephews, Richard Sherman and David Sherman; and 44 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held Friday, Jan. 16, from 6-8 p.m. at Joe P. Burns Funeral Home, and funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17, at the funeral home.