Jerome Rector, 87, of Millport, Alabama, passed away on September 23, 2025 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Columbus, MS. Funeral services will be Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Dowdle Funeral Home in Millport, Alabama with Bro. Wes Jones officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service in the chapel. Burial will follow at Ebenezer Cemetery in Millport, AL.

Jerome was born on March 19, 1938 to Martin C.  and Annie Rector in Millport, AL. He graduated from Millport High School in 1957, where he enjoyed playing football and especially baseball. He was inducted into the Millport Sports Hall of Fame for baseball in 2002.

Jerome served in the U.S. Army from 1961-1963 and was stationed in Ft. Lee Virginia. While he was enlisted, he served as an honor guard. After his time in service, he went to work for United Technologies (Bosch) in Columbus, MS., where he retired after 42 year of service. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially duck hunting, working on his farm and spending time with his family. Jerome was a deacon at Fernbank Baptist Church for over 50 years and led the song service for many years.

Jerome is preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Annie Rector, son Marty Rector, daughter-in-law Anne Newman Rector and infant son, Michael Jerome Rector, half brother Casey Brewer, half sister Florce Mae Sudduth, brothers Riley Clayton and Doug Rector and sister Jane Wilson.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joanne Rector, son Greg (Suzanne) Rector of Reform, AL, 4 grandchildren, Laura Bobbitt (Lance), Vernon, AL., Megan Estes (Kaleb), Tuscumbia, AL., Olivia Condra (Mark), Gordo, AL and Sophie Rector, Reform, AL., 5 great-grandchildren, Grace Ann and Raif Bobbitt, Lincoln and Hudson Estes and Indy Condra and a sister, Joyce Varnon, Millport, AL.

Pallbearers will be Lance Bobbitt, Kaleb Estes, Mark Condra, Roger Cunningham, J.T. Beard, Dale McNees and Byron Richards.