Enduring Legacy of Faith and Community: Jerry Exum's Life Story

Late Baseball Player Jerry Exum’s Death at 88 Leaves a Legacy of Faith, Family, and Community

A lifelong devotion to faith and church community.

August 13, 2026

This article was last updated by Rohit Maharjan on August 13, 2026

Jerry Exum, a beloved lifelong resident of the Detroit area, died on August 12, 2026, at the age of 88 in South Lyon, Michigan.

Known for his deep faith, love for family, and dedication to his community, Jerry’s passing leaves a profound void in the lives of all who knew him.

Born on April 6, 1937, in Greenfield, Tennessee, Jerry to Detroit at a young age and graduated from Western High School, where he played baseball — a sport that became a lifelong passion.

He played well into his 50s, demonstrating his enduring energy and competitive spirit.

Jerry met his wife, Mary Dyer Exum, at Temple Baptist Church, now NorthRidge Church. Together, they shared 48 years of marriage before her passing.

He remained an active member of the Harvester Class, where he built strong friendships and continued to serve his church community until his final days.

For 44 years, Jerry worked at General Motors Fleetwood Fisher Body, retiring 26 years ago.

In retirement, he enjoyed bowling, traveling, playing trivia, and attending the sporting events of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He also became known as a fierce corn hole competitor, never losing his playful sense of competition.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Alexander and Mattie (née Collins) Exum, his sister Joan Sheppard, his brother Jimmy, and his wife Mary.

He is survived by his daughters Laura (Matthew) Fischer and Linda (Kevin) Hess; grandchildren Evan (Janet) Nunn, Holly (Zack Golden) Nunn, Alexandra (Mitchel Dykla) Fischer, Christopher Fischer, Austin Hess, Joshua (Anne Marie) Hess, and Jared Hess; great-grandchildren Amelia, Alison, Thurston, Rowan, and Morgan; and his companion of 18 years, Barbara Morrison.

Family and friends will gather for visitation on Friday, August 15, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home in Plymouth.

Jerry will lie in state on Saturday, August 16, from 10:00 AM until the 11:00 AM funeral service at NorthRidge Church in Plymouth Charter Township.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Tunnel to Towers or NorthRidge Church Missions, honoring Jerry’s giving spirit and commitment to helping others.

Jerry Exum’s death marks the end of a life well-lived — a life defined by faith, service, and an unwavering devotion to family. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all whose lives he touched.

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