March 3, 1935 – April 23, 2023
MANTEO — Dare County lost another legend on April 23, 2023, as Jerry Brinkley Cahoon passed away at his home in Manteo, North Carolina.
Jerry Cahoon was born to longtime Dare County Sheriff Frank Cahoon and his wife, Charlotte White Cahoon, on March 3, 1935, on Brinkley’s Farm. Jerry Cahoon was a lifelong resident of Manteo, where he also found a special place in his life for his Aunt Clara and Uncle Lindsey Tarkington, and their son Billy. As a boy, Jerry could be found running the streets of Manteo and working at the Tarkington Grocery Store. He graduated from Manteo High School in 1953, among classmates who have remained in close touch throughout the years. In 1958 he married Patricia Parker of Wanchese. Jerry was a graduate of King’s Business School in Raleigh, and later of East Carolina University in 1959, after which he received his “Greetings from Uncle Sam” and was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving most of his stint at Dugway Proving Grounds in Utah. When he returned home, he obtained a teaching position at Manteo High School.
Jerry Cahoon was happiest when he was on the football field. An outstanding athlete himself, he found his true calling in coaching and was known and respected throughout the area. In addition to football, earlier in his career he also coached baseball and girls’ basketball. Jerry Cahoon will be remembered by countless young people whose lives he touched in the classroom and on the field. Known as Coach Cahoon to many young men for twenty years, he was awarded Conference Coach of the Year several times throughout his career. The Manteo High School Jerry Cahoon Football Field bears his name, honoring him for his love and dedication to his hometown school and hometown athletes. Jerry was also named to the M.H.S. Hall of Fame inaugural class in 2017.
Retiring after thirty years, he joined his wife Pat as the owners of their business, JP Cottages in Nags Head. He was also a permanent fixture at Whalebone Seafood. Jerry was a mason and a member of Sudan Shriners and Dare County Shrine Club.
Jerry Cahoon is survived by his wife of 64 years, Patricia Parker Cahoon; two daughters, Cheryl Cahoon Ryan and husband David, and Jeri Cahoon Lindquist; four grandchildren, Tom Daniels (Caroline), Devon Lindquist, Cole Lindquist, and Liam Ryan; four great-grandchildren, Makyla Lewis, Michael Lewis, Parker Daniels, and Elijah Lindquist; and one step-granddaughter, Alyssa Rose. Jerry is also survived by his brother, Jack Cahoon.
Coach Jerry Cahoon will always be remembered and missed by the many people of all ages who hold the memories of him fondly in their hearts.
The family will receive friends and relatives for a viewing and visitation on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Twiford Colony Chapel from 6:00 until 8:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, April 30, 2023, at the funeral home. A graveside committal will follow in Roanoke Island Memorial Gardens. All are invited to join the family after the committal for a time of fellowship at Owens’ Restaurant in Nags Head. To live-stream Mr. Cahoon’s funeral service, visit www.TwifordFH.com
In lieu of flowers, donations in Coach Jerry’s memory may be made to the Manteo High School Athletics/Football, 829 Wingina Ave, Manteo, NC 27954.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
