Jerry Laurence Hickory, 71, died Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018, at the Veteran’s Hospital in Tampa, Florida. Hickory was born in Bethel. He was born to Phyllis Howard Hickory and Harold Hickory on Sept.5, 1947. He grew up in Bridgewater and graduated from Woodstock Union High School. Jerry Hickory and his family moved to Tampa, Florida, in 1989. He met the love of his life, Judy Spangler, by writing letters to one another while he was in the Marines. They were married on April 10, 1971. They had three children, Tara (husband John), Corey (wife Becky) and Heather (husband Lee). They were blessed to adopt two more children, Nyah and Jaeden, that they had cared for through foster care.
Hickory was a foster dad for more than 13 years as he and Judy fostered and loved more than 30 children that needed care and loving. He loved being a father and a grandfather and a foster father for all of his children.
Jerry Hickory is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and a great grandchild. He is also survived by his siblings; Darlene Griggs (husband Bob) of Bridgewater, Audrey Birney (husband George) of Orlando, Robert Hickory (wife Linda) of West Rutland and Jay Hickory (wife Mona) of Killington, and many nieces and nephews.
There will be a memorial service at Seaglass Church in Apollo Beach, Florida, on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019, at 3:30 p.m. His ashes will be spread in the summer in Vermont where his parents are buried.