Brig. Gen. Jerry H. Risher, USAF, Ret.

Aiken, SC—Funeral Services for Brig. Gen. Jerry H. Risher, USAF, Ret., 85, who entered into rest December 15, 2023, will be conducted Friday morning at 11 o’clock from the Bethel United Methodist Church. Reverend Matt Turner officiating. Interment in Jackson Memorial Park with Full Military Honors. General Risher was a native of Ellenton, South Carolina, a former resident of Jackson having made Aiken his home for the past 19 years. He was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church of Jackson. After graduating from Auburn University in June 1963 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the South Carolina Air National Guard in July 1963 and was selected to attend undergraduate pilot training. Between the 13 months of Primary and Basic training at Webb AFB, Texas, he and Deanne Phillips were married on August 1, 1964. After Webb AFB, Gen. Risher went to Perrin AFB, Texas for advanced interceptor training. He returned to McEntire ANG Base as a mission ready F-102 pilot. Upon his return to South Carolina in 1965, he was employed as a Chemical Engineer with E.I. du Pont at the Savannah River Nuclear Site from which he retired in December 1998. As a traditional guardsman, General Risher progressed from the rank of Second Lieutenant to General Officer and held positions of line pilot, Flight Commander, Chief of Stan/Eval, Chief of Command Post, Squadron Operations Officer, Squadron Commander, Wing Commander and ultimately Chief of Staff of the South Carolina Air National Guard. During his tenure as Wing Commander, General Risher was also full time Base Commander responsible to the Adjutant General for 350 full time personnel in the daily operation of the base and an assigned strength of more than 1400 traditional guardsmen. General Risher served on active duty during Operation Desert Storm and commanded the 169th Fighter Wing (24 F-16s, 757 personnel) and flew 26 combat missions. In December 1998, General Risher retired from the military (35+ years) as a command pilot with over 4000 hours flying time, all in jet fighters to include F-102 A &B; A-7D; and F-16 A, B, C and D. Some of General Risher’s awards and decorations include the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal and Air Medal. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Deanne Phillips Risher; a daughter, Kristy Summer and her husband, Russell; a son, Russell “Rusty” Risher and his wife, Susan; two grandchildren, Ansley Sharpe and her husband, Jess and Caroline Risher. Honorary Pallbearers will be Dr. Robert Hill, Col. Robert Gray, USAF, Ret. and Dave McGlashan. Active Pallbearers will be Maj. David Reece, USMC, Ret., Keith Barnett, Clarence Beard, Tommy O’Banion, Milton Chapman and Jess Sharpe. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday evening from 5 until 7. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bethel United Methodist Church, PO Box 497, Jackson, SC 29831 or to Epworth Children’s Home, 2900 Millwood Avenue, Columbia, SC 29205. Posey Funeral Directors of North Augusta in charge of arrangements (803-278-1181). Visit the registry at www.PoseyCares.com

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Brig. Gen. Jerry H. Risher, USAF, Ret.

December 1, 1938 - December 15, 2023