Jerry R. Earnest
December 1, 1951 ~ October 25, 2020
Jerry Randall Earnest, of McLean, Virginia, passed away on October 25, 2020, at the Virginia Hospital Center at the age of 68. Born in Durant, Oklahoma to the late Jerry Bennett Earnest and the late Tia Juana Louise Earnest, he grew up wanting to be a veterinarian. That changed after a summer job at a radio station in Oklahoma City while on break from his studies at Oklahoma
State University. His instantly recognizable voice and encyclopedic knowledge of music were a perfect fit for radio broadcasting, and he soon moved on to major markets in Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. In addition to having been an on-air personality for twenty years, his work in voice-over and commercials brought him increasing recognition. He was also Music Director and Assistant Program Director of Washington D.C. stations WMZQ-FM, WPKX-FM and WASH-FM. During his time at WMZQ-FM, he was a member of the Executive Board of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. He later became Program Director of WASH-FM. His second act was fittingly at the Voice of America in Washington, D.C. where he served twenty-two years before retiring in 2015.
His true passion, after his family, was for firefighting. During his time with the Ashburn
Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department (Company 6), he served as Sergeant and Chief Engineer. Catfish (as he was known) enjoyed nothing more than being with his Tuesday night duty crew and the “day crew” of Lieutenant Dan, Ray, Jr., and Anne Marie. When not firefighting, he always gave freely of his time at the station whether it be for open houses, pancake breakfasts, oyster dinners, or driving Santa around on the big rig to pass out candy during the Christmas holidays. Jerry was honored to have been chosen for the Costello Award as Volunteer Firefighter of the Year in 1996. In 2008, he was inducted as a lifetime member of the Department.
Above all, Jerry loved his wife and daughter. He is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Margaret, his daughter Katherine and son-in-law Terence of Washington D.C., brothers Ronald (Gail) of Pfafftown, N.C., and Mark (Charlotte) of Centennial, CO, his extended Philadelphia family, numerous nieces and nephews, his AVFRD family, many friends, and his loyal Samoyed “Ziggy” who waits by his chair in the family room.
Condolences may be shared on Jerry’s obituary page at www.moneyandking.com. A celebration of life is planned for the spring. Details will be shared by the family and posted on the web page. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jerry’s memory to benefit the Ashburn Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department (Company 6) at https://ashburnfirerescue.org/in-memory-of-jerry-catfish-earnest/.
State University. His instantly recognizable voice and encyclopedic knowledge of music were a perfect fit for radio broadcasting, and he soon moved on to major markets in Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. In addition to having been an on-air personality for twenty years, his work in voice-over and commercials brought him increasing recognition. He was also Music Director and Assistant Program Director of Washington D.C. stations WMZQ-FM, WPKX-FM and WASH-FM. During his time at WMZQ-FM, he was a member of the Executive Board of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. He later became Program Director of WASH-FM. His second act was fittingly at the Voice of America in Washington, D.C. where he served twenty-two years before retiring in 2015.
His true passion, after his family, was for firefighting. During his time with the Ashburn
Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department (Company 6), he served as Sergeant and Chief Engineer. Catfish (as he was known) enjoyed nothing more than being with his Tuesday night duty crew and the “day crew” of Lieutenant Dan, Ray, Jr., and Anne Marie. When not firefighting, he always gave freely of his time at the station whether it be for open houses, pancake breakfasts, oyster dinners, or driving Santa around on the big rig to pass out candy during the Christmas holidays. Jerry was honored to have been chosen for the Costello Award as Volunteer Firefighter of the Year in 1996. In 2008, he was inducted as a lifetime member of the Department.
Above all, Jerry loved his wife and daughter. He is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Margaret, his daughter Katherine and son-in-law Terence of Washington D.C., brothers Ronald (Gail) of Pfafftown, N.C., and Mark (Charlotte) of Centennial, CO, his extended Philadelphia family, numerous nieces and nephews, his AVFRD family, many friends, and his loyal Samoyed “Ziggy” who waits by his chair in the family room.
Condolences may be shared on Jerry’s obituary page at www.moneyandking.com. A celebration of life is planned for the spring. Details will be shared by the family and posted on the web page. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jerry’s memory to benefit the Ashburn Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department (Company 6) at https://ashburnfirerescue.org/in-memory-of-jerry-catfish-earnest/.
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The Owners and Staff at the Money and King Funeral Home, wish to express our sincere sympathy to you. It is our hope that we may be able to make a difficult time more bearable. Please feel free to call us anytime as we are always available to you. Bob Gallagher Funeral Director
Dear Margaret, Katie, Terry, and Ziggy, What a beautiful obituary that only scratches the surface of the wonderful person Jerry was. We have so many memories of our times together; from Rehoboth Beach back in the day, to the Nationals-Phillies game, to the memorable breakfasts after our countless escapades, everything was made better with Jerry in the family. A kinder, more decent man there never has been. The best thing about Jerry was how well and truly he loved my sister, and she him. We grieve with you, and hold you all in our hearts. Sending our love and deepest condolences, Mary Jane, Dennis, Anthony , Rachel, and King
Jerry was such a great brother-in-law to me and our family. His care and love for Margaret and Kate was beyond measure. He always put their needs above his own whether it was cutting down a Christmas tree, planting vegetables in the back yard, making dinner on the grill, or viewing the latest movie. It was always the togetherness that was uppermost in his mind; it did not really matter what the event was. Nothing was too small or too big for him. The image of him dancing with Kate at her wedding will always be set in my mind as well as the time he had to return to her pre-school because she left her beloved stuffed koala bear in her classroom. In addition to their love, the respect that Jerry and Margaret had for each other is something that many couples could emulate. My thoughts and prayers are with Margaret and Kate as well as Jerry’s brothers.
Margaret and Katie,, I want to express my condolences on the painful loss of Jerry. .My family and i pray that you will have the strength to endure this difficult period. You both have many happy memories that are the medicine that will see you through this time.
Aunt Margaret, Katie, and Terry – We love you and are so very sorry for the loss of Uncle Jerry. We remember him with a big grin, sense of humor, and incredible voice – but most of all we remember how much he loved you. We hope the memories give you peace and strength during this difficult time. Love, Jessica, Jason, and Theo
Dear Aunt Margaret and Katie – We would like to express our heartfelt condolences on the loss of Uncle Jerry. This beautifully written obituary shows the loving and caring person he was to all that met him. He was such the cool Uncle with the deep soothing voice and all the music knowledge. I will always remember watching MTV Remote Control with Uncle Jerry during one of our big Virginia sleepover weekends and how impressed I was that he knew every answer. It was always a fun, special time and we hope you can use happy memories like these to help you through this time. We are thinking about you and our sending our love. -Sarah, John, John, and Leah Bilkins
I first met Jerry when I joined the coffee/breakfast group at Voice Of America. I recall fondly his stories from his broadcasting days and heads would certainly turn when he demonstrated his pig calling skill. He is missed. You and your family are in our prayers. Tim Brannon
Uncle Jerry, I will miss special time with my cool uncle so much. Trips to VA to hang with you and the family were so much fun! I’ll never forget times at the beach, with the dogs and your amazing voice and music collection. We love you and will never forget you ?
Fun times in South Carolina in 2014 ?
Jerry was the first celebrity I ever met. I worked with Maggie over 40 years ago and became part of the family. I loved Jerry and the energetic personality he had. Hoping that Maggie and Katie can find peace. Love Jackie
Jerry was part of our morning coffee/breakfast group at the Voice of America for several years. Jerry was a great guy, and he always had so many great stories of his very successful career. Jerry and I both retired in 2015. My condolences to his family. I will never forget this very special man, it was a pleasure knowing him and may God rest his soul. Lyn Lindberg
Dearest Family of Jerry, my sincere and deepest condolences on your loss. A man of integrity and fight to the very end. His determination to live and walk out of the hospital is just 1 example of this amazing man. The love and devotion of his beautiful wife, Maggie, show the true meaning of love and devotion. May he find peace in the arms of his Father in Heaven to be free of pain.
Oh Maggie, I was so sorry to see this this morning. Too young for sure. My heart and prayers go out to you and Katie. So many good years you have memories of. Love, Carolin
We were so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. Though we know he has gone home to God, it is still difficult for the loved ones left behind. Jerry and his family and friends are in our thoughts during this difficult time. The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth are praying for all of you, now and always.
Earnest Family, sincerest condolences for the loss of Jerry. I only met Jerry once, but he was a kind friend to my mother Joyce. For almost 3 years they sat next to each other at US Renal and talked. I don’t believe she knew about his radio history but as a music lover she would have been very impressed! May the good memories of Jerry bring you comfort during this time.
Jerry drove the pumper and ambulance for me more times than I can count. He scared the crap out of me several times but he never put a scratch on any of the apparatus. He was always the last one to go to bed and could be found (after everyone had retired) sitting on the front bumper of the Engine smoking his cigar. He always had funny story to tell about growing up in Oklahoma or his DJ days on the radio. He was a tireless worker and a good friend. My sincerest sympathy goes out to Maggie and Katie (who I always called Tadpole).
Jerry was a kind man there is no doubt. It was evident he was a very passionate man. His garage filled with tools, signified his love for cars and handy work. His old firefighting gear, expressed his love for helping others. Great men come and go, but those who are revered are those who left a legacy and impact on the world. Jerry, no doubt, left his mark on the world as a selfless man wishing only to help others. My God rest his sole, and may we all aspire to help others as Jerry did.
Maggie I am so sorry to hear about Jerry. I will say you are the epitome of the wedding vows, “in sickness and health” . I admire you for that. While I never met Jerry I feel I knew him and the medical troubles he had through our many talks at Elm Street. Now that I have read some of the posts I must say he must have been a super person and I am sure he will be missed by a large number of folks. I have tried to get to as many Elm St folks as possible. Stay safe and maybe after this Covid passes we can meet once more.
Jerry was one of the “Great Ones” that I am proud to say I knew. Loved having conversations with him while he toked on his Cigar. Always upbeat, always encouraging, always great. Catfish DJ’d our wedding and I cannot express how much that meant to Kerry and I. Truly memories that I am so glad to be a part of. Thank you big guy for being you and truly being in our lives! Many people come and go in ones life, but only a few leave a significant impression. Jerry you truly did that to me! I hope you and dad are having a good conversation with Calvin, Walt, Charlie, Steuart, Billy, Allen, and Ricky.
Jerry was an extraordinary person. I will be eternally grateful for how much he believed in me, and how he introduced me to the Fire Department world. The impact he made on me is impossible to put into words, and I feel so blessed for having him in my life. Maggie and Katie – my thoughts are with you, and I want you to know that I will always be here for you both. Love, Mary
I have so many very special memories of Jer! His humor was amazing! One of my favorite examples of this is when we swapped hats after the Cubs won the World Series in 2016. Jer was a huge Cleveland fan and of course I am a huge Chicago fan, so it only seemed right to have a photo of us wearing each other’s hats. He is the only one I would wear a Cleveland hat for! Anytime I would drop by the house, we would sit and chat for hours, and it always felt so special. I miss you dearly, my friend! It has been my honor to be in your life. Mags and Katie – I love you both very much!
One of easiest guys to get along with. As one of the new guys in the mid-90’s, he never treated me as a “newbie”, just encouraged everyone to do their best in a quiet, never overbearing way. Thanks for all the guidance you gave me as I learned the ropes at AVFRD, Catfish. The smell of your stogies is embedded in my brain forever. Rest easy, my friend.
I am sorry to read about Jerry’s passing. I first met Jerry around 1974 when he moved here from Philly. I was on the DC Police Dept. When i worked midnights i would pick Jerry up at WMOD after his shift and he would ride with me all night. I was best man at his wedding in 1979. I am sorry to say i lost touch with him over the years. Eternal Memory…
I am first cousin to Randy (what we called him). We were born in the same town In the same year. He was known for his sense of fun, leading the pack of boy cousins at holidays, and for raising prize-winning hogs for the FFA! We will miss him so much. Love to Margaret and Katie . Sidney Earnest Ford, Oklahoma City
I am so sorry for your loss. Jerry was a wonderful man. I always enjoyed working with him. Keeping you in my thoughts. -Will (CVSD/CVICU)
After attending a program honoring the 1969 State Championship Mountain View Basketball team, I learned that Jerry had passed away. I was his friend in highschool and at Oklahoma Stare University. The group we ran around with lost track during college but I am so glad to know Jerry had a loving family and a very accomplished life. My condolences to his wife and daughter and all the people who are missing him today.