Jerry Ray Sayre was born in Fallbrook, California on Sept 26th, 1952 to Ralph and Betty Sayre. The youngest of three, and the family’s only son, he grew up with a fascination for history, and a love of country. It was not until after his father’s passing that his passion for genealogy took hold. Prior to that, little was known about his ancestors.

After graduating from Fallbrook High School, Jerry began a career in retail sales at Safeway Stores. In 1980, he gave up a ten year career, to follow another love, music. He played professionally in dance bands for fourteen years. Jerry then returned to retail sales at Pep Boys, but now lives and works back home in Fallbrook at a local hardware store.

He became passionate about history and genealogy and since 1989 has been researching and documenting his family tree. Jerry has been able to trace most of his lines into the 18th century, many to the 15th century, and one line back to the 8th century. Among his ancestors are Charlemagne, William the Conqueror, and King Henry I of France. He has documented eighteen Revolutionary War patriot ancestors, five War of 1812 patriot ancestors, and eight Union Civil War ancestors.

Jerry’s memberships in Hereditary Societies are as follows:

• Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW)
• Sons of American Revolution (SAR)
• General Society War of 1812
• Founders and Patriots of America (F&PA)
• Society of Colonial Wars
• Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States (MOLLUS)

Jerry has also served the Department as Junior and Senior Vice Commander, two terms as Department Commander, Commander of the Sgt. William Pittenger Camp No. 21, and a member of the Company G, 5th California Volunteer Infantry, Sons of Veterans Reserve (SVR). In the latter capacity Jerry had the honor of bringing in the National Colors during the pre-game ceremonies of Superbowl XXXVII. He has also served at the National level as National Patriotic Instructor and as National Color Bearer.