SUNBURY — Jerry L. Hite, 74, of Sunbury, died early Wednesday morning, Oct. 12, 2016, at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus.

He was born on Dec. 6, 1941 in Columbus, Ohio, the son of the late Theodore "Ted" and Mabel (Wallace) Hite.

Jerry worked for Pepsi Co. for many years making his way up the corporate ladder. He began as a delivery driver and moved his way through the ranks retiring as a district manager in 1999. His loyalty ran deep, for even in the hospital right up until his death, he only drank Diet Pepsi and water.

On June 12, 1997, he lost the love of his life after 34 years of marriage. He and Karen had plans to move to Florida after his retirement and her passing left a void in his life that could never be replaced.

Sometime after Karen's death and his retirement Jerry started volunteering for Meals on Wheels. In fact, understandably so, Jerry struggled with her absence and that role gave him the motivation to get out of the house some days. He enjoyed the interaction with the different folks he delivered those meals to.

He was a huge fan of horse racing. Mind you, he never bet a dollar, he just wanted to say "I won." Aside from the nearly yearly trips to the Brown Jug, he only watched it on TV and always "bet" #4.

Jerry was a huge fan of Buckeye football and regardless of how bad, he always cheered for the Cleveland Browns. He was a devoted father to his two girls and found time to be their softball coach when they were kids.

Everybody that came in contact with Jerry grew to love him. He had a way about him that drew you to him and he always found a way to make you smile. He was uniquely stubborn yet humble and after Karen's death he became very sensitive.

He will be missed by his daughters, Lisa Hite and Julie Leidtke and her husband Morgan, all of Sunbury; grandchildren, Cierra, Conner, and Autumn; brother, Jonnie and his wife Susan of Groveport; sister, Bev Loughridge and her husband Michael of West Jefferson; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Karen he was preceded in death by his siblings Bob, Chuck, Tom, and Betty.

Friends may call on the family on Monday, Oct. 17, 2016, from 4-7 p.m. at the DeVore-Snyder Funeral Home, 637 North State Route 61, Sunbury. Funeral services will follow immediately at 7 p.m. Private burial of cremains will take place at Sunbury Memorial Park at a later date.

If Desired, Memorial contributions can be made to Meals on Wheels through Source Point at http://www.mysourcepoint.org/help/.

The DeVore-Snyder Funeral Home of Sunbury is honored to serve Jerry's family. Special memories and condolences can be shared with them at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.