Jerry Tarnow, 80, born in Tampa, FL, son of the late Bernice and Paul Tarnow, Sr., passed away on June 12, 2020, at home after a brave battle against metastatic bladder cancer. Jerry was born and raised in Tampa and grew up in the Palma Ceia area where he became an avid golfer at the young age of 5 and Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club was his go-to hang out. He graduated from Plant High School and attended Sewanee Military Academy, Marion Military Institute, Florida State University, Michigan State University and served in the United States Air Force. Golf continued to be a large focal point of his life where he achieved tremendous golfing skills with his natural ability and played in many tournaments throughout the state during his lifetime. He was most proud of winning The Gasparilla in 1972. In spite of all the rounds he played, he finally achieved his first hole-in-one at the age of 48 and a second six months later. A special achievement was qualifying and playing in the US Senior Amateur, Prairie Dunes, KS. Florida tournaments were high on his list and he won the Marvin Harvey, New Smyrna Beach; Oswald, Ocala, FL, in addition to numerous member/guest tournaments. Along with his family, sponsored the Tarnow Golf Classic for Florida amateurs for many years. As a member of Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club, Merrymakers and Ye Mystic Crewe of Gasparilla, all his family enjoyed those activities. Jerry was active in the family business, Tarnow Foods of Tampa, before moving to Volusia County in 1971 where he founded and owned several small businesses. He was particularly known to make an outstanding smoked sausage. Rounding out his business career, he retired from Thompson Pump and Manufacturing after 21 years at the age of 78.

His easy-going and calm demeanor was a blessing to all his family, friends and anyone he worked with over his lifetime. In spite of two and a half years of his fearless battle with cancer, he never complained and was the most cooperative, undemanding patient and always expressed his heartfelt thanks for even the smallest tasks.

Jerry was most proud of Tobie and Ty and their chosen professions. Being able to enjoy his grandchildren in their sporting events of swim team, golfing and fast pitch softball were high on his list of things he loved. Having a strong and honorable work ethic, humility, as well as keeping his promises were his traits and he always held firm to those beliefs.

Jerry was predeceased by his parents and brothers Don and Tom and leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Kathleen; as well as his children Ty Tarnow, Tobie Helms (Adam); grandchildren Cannon and Paige Tarnow, Avery Helms, sister Carole King (Mark-deceased), brother Paul Tarnow, Jr., sister-in-law Marisa Crane and brother-in-law Fred Crane (Cathy). Jerry's nieces and nephews were all special to him: Olivia Crane, Markie King, Melinda King Cashin (Greg), Rusty King (Cyndi), Shannon King (deceased), Paul Tarnow, III, Scott Tarnow, Dolly Dannewitz, as well as his great nieces and nephews. Jerry knew many people and truly valued his very close and long-time friendships (they know who they are) and loved golfing, fishing and hunting with them as well as just sitting back and talking about the happy memories they shared. Jerry was a member of Christ Church, Port Orange, and walked this earthly life with love, respect, dignity and honor. We can all take comfort knowing he acknowledged and knew Jesus as his Savior.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ Church, 2421 Tomoka Farms Rd, Port Orange, FL 32128 or donate to the charity of your choice. There will be a casual Celebration of Life service on Thursday, June 25, 11 a.m. at The Riverside Pavilion, Port Orange, and a family service at a later date creek side at his beloved family cabin in Franklin, NC.