Jerry Lee Burch

Jerry Lee Burch, age 83, of Point Harbor, North Carolina, passed away peacefully of natural causes on June 17, 2025, in a care facility in Barco, North Carolina. His passing marks the end of a life well-lived, deeply rooted in friendship, community, and a love for the waters of the Outer Banks.

Born March 4, 1942 in Allegheny  County Virginia, Jerry was the son of Ida Pearl Cook and Lacy Divers Burch. Jerry was a decades-long resident of Point Harbor and a beloved member of the Outer Banks fishing community. A lifelong recreational surf fisherman, he competed in and won numerous tournaments and championships all along the eastern seaboard—from Ocracoke and Hatteras Island to the far reaches of the Atlantic surf. He was a proud member of Outer Banks Sport Fishers, and a stalwart member of the surf fishing tradition. He was known for his skill, dedication, and the camaraderie he shared with fellow anglers.

Jerry is survived by his devoted son, Jerry Lee Burch Jr., and daughter-in-law Janet of Warrensburg, Missouri; his brother, Garnet Burch, and sister-in-law Katrina of Covington, Virginia; grandchildren Natasja, Carolann, Jerry Lee III, Gregorio, Garnet, and Cisaria; eight great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and by many friends and neighbors who will remember his warmth, humor, and kind spirit. Among those who held him especially dear was his best friend and fishing partner Garry Oliver, of Nags Head, North Carolina. Most especially dear to him was Mechelle K. Murray of Harbinger, North Carolina, whose loyal care and friendship brought comfort and joy to Jerry in his later years.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. at the Outer Banks Fishing Pier/Fish Heads Bar and Grill in Nags Head, North Carolina, where family and friends will gather to remember Jerry and share stories of the man who was always ready with a smile, a story, or a helping hand.  Committal of the urn will be private.  Jerry Burch was the kind of man you were glad to call neighbor and proud to call friend. He will be missed deeply and remembered with great affection.  Please share messages of comfort at gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services was entrusted with arrangements.