Gerald "Jerry" Leroy Harling, age 77, of Seligman, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, January 16, 2021, at the Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Arkansas. He was the son of Bruce and Fay (Wilburn) Harling, born on June 2, 1943, in Hawthorne, Nevada. Jerry grew up moving from state to state with his parents working construction until they settled in Seligman in 1957 to make their forever home.  He was a 1961 Southwest High School graduate and subsequently went on to join the United States Navy where he served his country proudly from 1961 to 1964.  On December 4, 1964, Jerry married the love of his life Jenna Davidson.  He  worked construction till 1972, then went on to work at Daisy B.B. Factory until they closed in 1998.

Jerry was very active with the Seligman Fire Department, volunteering countless hours from 1972, became fire chief in 1985, and retired from his duties in 2011.  He was very well known and respected for all his dedication and hard work with the fire department as well as making many lasting friendships along the way.  Jerry was also a member of the Lions Club.  He enjoyed hunting and loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Over the years Jerry became "Papa" to so many and will be dearly missed by all who had the chance of knowing him.

Jerry is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, Jenna Lea Harling, of Seligman; one son, Gerald Harling and his wife Jennifer, of Seligman; one daughter, Leah Persons and her husband Wayne, of Seligman; four grandsons, Charlie Harling, Jason Harling, Jessie Harling, and Levi Thomas; one granddaughter, Tabitha Curby; twelve great- grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by two step-fathers, Jack Clayton and Midus Stacy; one half-brother, David Harling; one half-sister, Marion Bracefield; and one great-granddaughter.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, at the Seligman City Cemetery with Pastor Donnie Spears officiating.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 19 ^th at the White Funeral Home and Crematory in Cassville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Seligman Fire Department and entrusted to the White Funeral Home and Crematory, P.O. Box 890, Cassville, MO 65625.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the White Funeral Home and Crematory, Cassville, Missouri.