WILMINGTON — Sergeant Major (Retired) Jerry Lee Morman, 74 of Wilmington, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026.
Jerry was born on March 3, 1952, in Yankton, South Dakota, to Edward & Cleo Morman. Raised on a working farm in Crofton, Nebraska, Jerry developed a sense of duty and strong work ethic tending to the animals and his daily chores. He was drafted by the United States Army for Vietnam at nineteen. Jerry served for twenty-four years including service time with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, 3rd SFG and 5th SFG. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge and Special Forces Tab. He retired in 1994 from 3rd Special Forces Group as Sergeant Major. Following his military service, Jerry found great happiness spending time with his sons & grandchildren, serving others, and enjoying time outdoors.
Jerry is preceded in death by his mother, Cleo June Smith, father, Edward Robert Morman and his twin sister, Judy Morman.
He is survived by his sons, John Morman of Clarksville, TN, Ben Morman of Wilmington, NC and Ryan Morman (Laura) of Wilmington, NC; sister, Kay Fosbinder (David) of Freemont, NE, and four grandchildren, Dallas, Hudson, Lena and Thatcher.
Jerry will be remembered for his love of family, playful sense of humor, patriotism, and his steady presence. His memory will live on in all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Outer Dunes Brewing Company (7976 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28411) from 12:00 – 2:00PM. Friends and family are invited to gather, share stories and enjoy a beer in Jerry’s honor.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made in Jerry’s honor to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and Lower Cape Fear Lifecare.
