Jerry Miller Laurine, 84, and Don Laurine, 85, passed away peacefully within hours of each other on Sunday, February 3rd, and Monday, February 4th, respectively. Married for over 55 years, they met in the halls of Building 4200 at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. Their shared dream was to do whatever was necessary to get to the beach, and in their retirement years, they thoroughly enjoyed the “Art Museums” of Mississippi.
Jerry was born in Savannah, TN, on February 23, 1940, to Ellen Corinne Miller and Charles Miller. She moved to Killen, AL, at a young age and graduated from Lauderdale County High School in 1958. While in high school, she was a member of the Glee Club and Tri-Hi-Y. Very befittingly, her senior quote read, “Wise, witty, and full of glee, Look out little boys, I’m fancy-free.”
After graduation, Jerry moved to Athens, AL, and began working at NASA. She later relocated to Huntsville, where she enjoyed a remarkable career spanning more than 50 years. She built countless friendships and was grateful for the extraordinary experiences that only NASA could provide.
Outside of her career, Jerry was a devoted mother, always on the go as she supported her daughter’s many dance activities. In addition, she became a licensed realtor and a registered tax preparer.
Don was born in Seattle, WA, on July 12, 1939, to Myrna Laurine (Knaus) and William Laurine. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1957 where he served as the editor of the high school newspaper and was an active member of the theatre department and Glee Club. At just 17, he joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Cheyenne, Wyoming, at Warren Air Force Base which happened to be located next to a dude ranch. Some of his most treasured memories were made working horses on the ranch, singing, and playing his guitar in his free time.
After eight years of service, Don received an honorable discharge. Dreaming of becoming a country music singer, he moved to Huntsville, AL, on the advice of an Air Force buddy, as it was the closest city to Nashville that offered job opportunities for retired military personnel.
It was then that he began his career at NASA. Among the most exciting aspects of his work, Don used his Air Force diving certification to work in the Neutral Buoyancy Simulator (NBS) tank, testing tools for space missions and training astronauts on their use. His passion for the military led him to join the Army Reserves, where he retired as a Master Sergeant in 1986, followed by his retirement from NASA ten years later.
Jerry and Don are survived by their daughter and son-in-law, Keri and Gary White of Mooresville, NC, and two grandsons, Joshua White and Ethan White, whom they adored beyond measure. They also leave behind their beloved cat, Charles aka Whistle Britches.
Jerry is also survived by her two devoted sisters, Betty Albers of Aragon, GA, and Joy Bailey of Athens, GA.
Don is survived by his sister, Pat Riaboy of Rowlett, TX, and was preceded in death by his beloved brother, Gary Laurine of Seattle, WA.
They are both survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends whom they considered family.
A service to honor and celebrate the lives of Jerry and Don Laurine will be held on Saturday, February 8th, at Laughlin Funeral Home in Huntsville, AL. Visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m., with the service immediately following in the chapel
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, First United Methodist Church of Huntsville, AL, or a charity of your choice.
