Obituary of Jerry Allen Noe

Jerry Allen Noë

On Saturday June 10 there will be a celebration of life and burial service for Jerry Allen Noë at Holston View Cemetery in Gate City, Virginia at 4:00 PM

Jerry died suddenly on September 15, 2020 at the age of 66 during the height of the Covid pandemic when family gatherings were not possible.

Born on November 5, 1953, in Hiltons, Virginia he grew up on a small family farm. There he developed a strong work ethic and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge which guided him throughout his life.

Attending Gate City High School he nurtured his interests in science and math participating in the 4-H Club as well as his creative side in the Photography Club. He found solace in writing poetry that captured the soul of a young man’s heart.

After graduating in 1972 he attended King College in Bristol, VA where he was awarded a full scholarship through the Shepp Foundation. In 1973 he married Tina Shaffer. Together they had two children, Kirstan and Adam.

In 1976 he joined the Air Force changing his career path dramatically. There he found a love of space flight and computers. In 1977 he returned to college earning a BS degree in Aerospace Engineering in 1980 from the University of Tennessee. His next step was Military Officer Training. While stationed at Vandenburg Air Force Base he began work on a master’s degree at the University of Southern California.

Leaving the Air Force in 1984 he worked with McDonnell Douglas Astronautics, and eventually returned home where he was selected to build the new Computer Engineering Technology program at what is now North East State Technical Community College. During his tenure there he also acquired an Air Force Reserve position at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. While serving his reserve duty with the 45^th Space Wing he became a valuable member of the team and was recruited to become a full time member.

In the fall of 1989 he realized his dream of launching rockets. Rising in the ranks to the position of Chief of Avionics Systems Management, Jerry was an integral part of the Titan team until it’s last mission in 2005.

In June of 1990 he married Allison Martin. They and her two daughters, Jennifer and Michelle moved to Florida.

In 1995 her completed a Master's degree in Space Systems Management at Florida Institute of Technology.  

After closing out the Titan program, he worked several civilian positions between Cape Canaveral and Patrick Air Force Base until 2012 when he found his next home with contractor ENSCO where he was Senior Systems Engineer for the company as they supported the Air Force Launch Systems.

As if working in the space program, something many only dream of, weren’t enough in 1997 Jerry also began consulting with Training Solutions Group creating and teaching classes for technicians working for AT&T. He also created an assessment tool which the company used for years to place and train employees.

Jerry will be remembered for his love of science, teaching, science fiction, and the great vastness of space. Those around him will also remember his generosity and his willingness to help anyone in need. He was an avid reader, sometimes devouring whole books in a day. He could often be found resting in his easy chair, book in hand, quiet and completely content. He was always ready with a smile, laughter, and wise guidance.

He is preceded in death by his parents Eddie and Agnes Noë, sister Ruth Ann Carr, and brothers Fred Parsons, Pete Parsons, Eddie Jr. Noë, and  Johnny Noë. He is survived by his spouse Allison Lucas Noë, sister Linda Lane, (Raymond), two children Kirstan Noë and Adam Noë (Erin), two step daughters Jennifer Ramsey (Bruce), and Michelle Dzendzel (David) and seven grandchildren, Aiden and Emily Noë, Rachel and Rhett Ramsey, and, Beckett, Rory and Caroline Dzendzel.

As you think of Jerry, look to the stars. There you will find him in his new home among all the warrior poets of old.