Jerry L. Fisher, age 67 of New Philadelphia, died unexpectedly early Monday morning, September 21, 2009, in his home with his wife at his side.

Born at Dover, August 12, 1942, he was a son of the late Doyle Dean and E. Mae Jeffries Fisher.

Jerry was a 1960 graduate of New Philadelphia High School, where he was widely known as a talented basketball player. During his senior year, Jerry earned All-Ohio honors by United Press International, All-County honors by the former Daily Times, and lead the Quaker squad in scoring with 322 points in his senior year.

Immediately after high school, Jerry went to work at the former Wilmar Furniture serving as a carpet installer. In 1975, he and his wife went into business together, opening Fisher Flooring. For nearly 35 years, Jerry has helped homeowners and small business owners throughout the valley with their flooring needs.

Outside of his busy work schedule, Jerry was considered the foremost expert in Ohio on Tennessee Walking Horses. At the time of his death, he maintained only one walking horse, but held several in ownership over the years. Walking Horse enthusiasts across the country sought Jerry's council and company at horse sales.

Closer to home, Jerry will be remembered for his tenure as a baseball coach at Tuscarawas Central Catholic High School from 1987 through 1996. He remained in close contact with many of his former players over the years. Jerry began his coaching career in the early 1980's at the Pony League level prior to his involvement with Central Catholic.

Jerry's memberships included the Grace Lutheran Church at Dover, and the Buckeye Tennessee Walking Horse Association. Jerry also served two years as chairman of the Tuscora Park Recreation Board from 1975 to 1977. In 1997 he was inducted into the Cy Young Tuscarawas County Old Times Baseball Association.

Survivors include his loving wife, the former Julie Dickerson of the home. Together, they reared sons; Mark (wife Jenny) Fisher of Bloomington Indiana, Michael Fisher of New Philadelphia, and a daughter; Kathy (husband Greg) Shaw of Columbus. Five grandchildren; Mallory and Marshall Fisher, John Fellure, Nellie and Ryan Shaw and a sixth grandchild, due October 20th; Michal J.R. Shaw. A sister; Jan Shilling, of New Philadelphia niece Julie Troyer and nephew Jamie Shilling complete the family.

The Fisher family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Grace Lutheran Church, 216 North Wooster Avenue, Dover, OH 44622, the Tuscarawas Central Catholic Booster Club 777 Third Street NE, New Philadelphia or to the New Philadelphia Quaker Club PO Box 202, New Philadelphia OH 44663.