Sheriff Jerry Whitehead

Sheriff Jerry Whitehead, Lake Butler, passed away at the age of 60 on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 after a brief illness. He will always be remembered for his servant's attitude and helping others. He was currently serving as the DEAN OF SHERIFFS, as the longest serving Sheriff in the State of Florida. He was elected Sheriff of Union County in 1984 and served from 1985 until his death. He followed in his father's John H. Whitehead long legacy as a law enforcement officer and Sheriff. He graduated Union County High School and attended Lake City Community College. He also completed Florida Department of Law Enforcement Executive Institute and received numerous law enforcement training and certifications throughout his career. He was also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy.

He is survived by his wife, Tammy and six children, Matt (Michelle); Brad (Jennifer); Chelsea; Jake, Jack Henry and Presley Vivian; one brother John Henry (Brenda); and one sister Cynthia "Sis" Whitehead and four grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, John Henry and Vivian Whitehead. He is surrounding throughout life by many close family and friends. He was a lifelong Union County native and gave his life and service to those in Union County.

Sheriff Whitehead received the Distinguished Service Award from the Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency, the Paul Harris Fellow Award for his dedication and leadership to Rotary, the Shining Star Award from Florida Education Foundation. He served the Florida Sheriff's Association as Secretary 1987-88; Treasurer, 1989; Vice President, 1990; and President 1991, as well as a member of the board of directors for many years. He was very active in the Lake Butler Rotary Club and served as President from 1989-1990. He was currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Florida Sheriffs Self Insurance Fund since 2002 and the Board of Directors of the Sheriff's Automobile Risk Program since 2002, as well as the Florida Sheriff's Multiple Employer Trust. He was a longtime supporter of the Florida Department of Corrections. He was also a member of the Lake Butler Masonic Lodge. He was a strong supporter of the Union County schools system. He was a lifelong member of the First Christian Church of Lake Butler.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 21, 2013 at 2:00PM at the First Christian Church of Lake Butler with Bro. Art Peterson officiating. Burial will be in Whitehead Cemetery. Under the care of Archer Funeral Home of Lake Butler. Family will receive friends at the First Christian Church Friday evening from 5:00PM-8:00PM. In Lieu of flowers family request that Memorial contributions be made to the Florida Sheriff's Youth Ranches Inc.; P.O. Box 2000, Boys Ranch, Florida 32064.