Clyde Wayne Jernigan

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Clyde Wayne Jernigan of Port St Lucie, Fl. He passed away peacefully at his home on September 14, 2024 after a long battle with FXTAS.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Deborah Jernigan; daughter, Amiee Pentzer, son, Christopher Jernigan; grandsons, PJ "Archie" Pentzer and Hunter "Huntboy" Pentzer; granddaughter Savannah "baby girl" Jernigan, and step-grandson Ryan Munson all of Port St Lucie, FL. He is also survived by his sister Frances Flick (John), of Chesapeake, VA, Brother Teddy Jernigan (Donna) of IL, and John Jacobs (Lydia) of Portsmouth, VA, mother-in-law, Doris Tarkington-Brinkley, Suffolk, VA, Aunt Mary Maynor of Reno, NV, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

He is preceded in death by his mother Joyce Parsley of Virginia Beach, VA; father Teddy Jernigan Sr of Ml. His son-in-law, Richard Pentzer of Port St Lucie, FL; and his mentor, his "Gramps" Clyde Gray of Virginia Beach, VA.

He was a man of many hats in his professional career. His passion for life and adventure led him to the U.S. Army where was stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey. After his 2 years of service, he tried his hand at various trades from sandblasting to painting to electrical. He even became an entrepreneur when he opened his own window washing company. He found his greatest success as an electrician, which was evident by the nicknames he acquired from his co-workers. He was best known on the job sites as "Brain", "Boomer", and the most popular one: "The Wizard".

He also had a real passion for traveling. You would see it in the way his eyes would light up when he spoke of his adventures as a child growing up in Nevada, Colorado, Ohio, and Virginia. He couldn't wait to share his experiences with his wife and he always wanted to take his children out west. He loved to work of town and these adventures took him from Key West, FL to Boston, MA, Bar Harbor, ME, and Paradise Island in the Bahamas.

When He first met his wife, Debbie in 1971 he always said he knew she was the one and 53 years later his love for her only grew stronger. He would write her poems to win her heart and couldn't wait to show her the world. She was the mother of his 2 children, his soulmate, best friend, and his purpose in life. He cherished every aspect of their love.

His pride and joy was his children. He was very protective of them and helped them whenever he could. When his daughter lost her husband, he was there doing whatever he could to ease her pain and be there for her however he could. When his son needed guidance and training, he was there sharing his knowledge and showing him how to make life a little simpler. He always said his chest was swollen because he was beaming with so much love and pride for his children.

 He loved his grandchildren more than life itself. They were the apple of his eyes. He loved having them around to talk to and joke with. If he had it his way, he would spend every day with them because everyone was happy and laughing. His grandchildren brought him much joy and filled his heart with love.

He enjoyed spending time with family, cooking with his grandson and taking them to the "man store" (Home Depot). Sundays were filled with the family watching football and cookouts. He was a die hard San Francisco 49er fan. He loved taking nature hikes, so of course when there was an Autism Awareness Walk, he was there participating. He also found enjoyment working crosswords and Sudoku. He enjoyed old westerns, listening to classic country, classic rock & blues music.

He was a strong- willed man that stood on standards and principles and he was adamant about the things he believed in. If you needed anything at all and he could help, he would with no questions asked. He never met a stranger and loved to make people laugh. It didn't matter who it was; family, friends, co-workers, or the cashier at Cumberland Farms or Walmart. He always left everyone smiling or laughing. He was a great man and will be sorely missed.

There will be a Celebration of Life on October 12, 2024 between 2 and 6 at The Spanish Lakes Clubhouse located at 1 Silver Oak Dr, Port St Lucie, FL 34952 for anyone wanting to share memories, pay their last respects and celebrate the life of the man we have come to love and dearly miss.

In lieu of flowers the family ask to send donations to The National Fragile X Foundation to help bring awareness to this genetic disorder.

FLY HIGH FREEBIRD