Gerald Meyerson Obituary

Gerald "Jerry" Leo Meyerson CHARLESTON - Gerald "Jerry" Leo Meyerson, 93, of Charleston, South Carolina, husband of Jane Pearlstine Meyerson, died peacefully surrounded by his family at his home Monday, March 9, 2015. His Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, March 11, 2015 in Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim Reform Temple at 11:00 a.m. Interment, KKBE Cemetery, Huguenin Avenue. Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR INC., DOWNTOWN CHAPEL. Jerry was born December 19, 1921 in Spartanburg, SC, son of the late Louis A. Meyerson and Ella Levinson Meyerson. He graduated from Spartanburg High School at age 16 and entered The Citadel in 1938 as a member of the famous class of 1942. In 1940, he transferred to Duke University where he earned his B.A. and Law Degrees. After World War II he returned to Duke for one year for his Master of Law Degree. He remained a loyal Duke Blue Devil fan his entire life. When World War II broke out, Jerry was accepted in the Aviation Cadet Program of the Army Air Corps. After a year of training at Yale University in air to ground communication he was stationed in London. As a Second Lieutenant and a commanding officer of his unit he sailed to Europe on the Queen Mary with 12,000 troops aboard. He remained at U.S. headquarters in London until after V-E Day when it was moved to Paris, where he served as administrator of Orly Air Force Base. After V-J Day he transferred with U.S. headquarters to Germany. Following the War, Jerry practiced law in New York, Connecticut, and Charleston. Jerry moved back to Charleston in 1951 to help his father with the Worthmore Men's Store at the corner of King and George Streets. In 1952 he opened his own successful store, Richard's Men's Wear on King Street where he was a merchant for decades. In the 1970's when King Street was struggling, he formed the Local Development Corporation (LDC) which was instrumental in the revitalization of Charleston. He served as chairman of the LDC for over 20 years. This effort led to the building of Charleston Place, the renovation of the City Market, and the thriving downtown we enjoy today. Jerry was a member of the Country Club of Charleston for 63 years and spent numerous days there enjoying his favorite hobby, golf. He was a charter member of "The Little Rascals" Blitz and ran it for many years. He was an avid reader, sometimes reading a book per day, and solved the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle each week. Jerry was widely recognized for his wit and humor. He and Jane enjoyed traveling the world and wintering in Palm Springs, CA. He was a long-standing member of KKBE where he was treasurer for many years and President of the Brotherhood. In addition to his wife, Jane, of 62 years, he is survived by his three daughters, Cathy Meyerson Kleiman of Charleston, SC, Ellen Meyerson Sheridan (Desmond) of Greensboro, NC, and Carol Meyerson Rice (Seth) of Isle of Palms, SC; six grandchildren, Jennifer Kleiman and Robert Kleiman of Charleston, SC, Graham Sheridan of Charleston, SC, Elliot Sheridan of Greensboro, NC, Annie Rice and Jane Rice of Isle of Palms, SC; along with numerous nieces and nephews, including special nieces, Jan Lipov and Susan Pearlstine of Charleston, SC; and his brother-in-law, Edwin Pearlstine. He was predeceased by his brother, Stanley Meyerson and his sister, Janet Meyerson Wetstone. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Charleston Friends of the Library, 68 Calhoun St., Charleston, SC 29401; ONE80 Place (formerly Crisis Ministries), PO Box 20038, Charleston, SC 29413; or to KKBE, 90 Hasell Street, Charleston, SC 29401. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston