Jerry Edward Barham was born on October 4, 1943 in Adamsville, Tennessee, the son of the late Marvin and Lora Garner Barham.
On May 13, 1967, he was united in marriage to Virginia Sue “Patty” Briley, who survives.
Jerry retired from Packaging Corporation of America after 34 years of employment. He was a devoted husband, father, employee, and a devout Christian. He loved gardening and sharing it with neighbors and friends. Jerry also enjoyed going bird hunting and training his dogs. He was a faithful member of Nixon First Pentecostal Church since 1966.
Jerry Edward Barham departed this life on October 25, 2024 in Savannah, Tennessee at the age of 81 years and 22 days.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Virginia “Patty” Barham of Savannah, Tennessee; daughters, Kimberly Davis of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Joy Poston and her husband Allan of Savannah, Tennessee, and Jennifer White of Savannah, Tennessee; grandchildren, Brooke Davis, Anna Davis, Josh Poston, Caleb Poston, Taylor Couch, Christian White, and Courtney Roberts; and great grandchildren, Eliza Jane Davis, Jett Pickett, Mason Roberts, and Baxley Roberts.
In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his brothers, Ray Barham, Charles Barham, and Gerald Barham and grandson, Tyler A. Couch.
Tribute to Jerry E. Barham
10/04/1943 – 10/25/2024
Integrity is a kaleidoscope of qualities earned through honesty, actions, reactions, and commitments to a person’s values, morals, and principles in life.
At the top of all those integral qualities, the most important is accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, exercising faith and obedience to God, and serving others.
Jerry Barham was one such man. He loved the Lord immensely and lived a godly life. His heart of compassion showed as he cared for others and gave unselfishly, expecting nothing in return. If someone had a need, he’d drop what he was doing to help them.
He had a firm commitment to his job, and fulfilled every task, earning respect in the workplace, in the church, and at home. What an honor that you’ll find his name written on the cornerstone of his church.
Raised on a farm in a rural community, Jerry had responsibilities, as did his three older brothers, who had gone on before him. He plowed the fields and shared the tasks of caring for the livestock.
He loved to have fun and carried a smile with him everywhere he went. In his early years, his excellent basketball skills landed his picture on the cover of a Sports Magazine. Playing basketball with the boys was the highlight of his day. Even in his last few months, he voiced the desire to shoot some hoops.
Bird hunting and gardening were his hobbies. Training his bird dogs for the hunt and growing prize-winning vegetables were accomplishments he enjoyed.
He cherished his beautiful wife, Patty, of 57-years. According to him, she was the best cook ever, and she kept him looking sharp with her clothes coordinating skills.
His daughters, Kim, Joy, and Jennifer, were the apples of his eye. His stern but compassionate parenting skills kept him on his toes with three girls in the house. Without his watchful eye, Jennifer would pop wheelies on the lawn mower. Joy would hide with him to keep pranksters from rolling the yard, all while Kim kept hearing his voice of reason.
“Your word is everything. When you give someone your word that you’ll do something, you do it.”
Integrity’s attributes were fully activated throughout Jerry’s life. His faith in God, genuine love for his family, and kindness toward his friends showed through his heart-felt, God-given character and personality.
He will be sorely missed, but we can find comfort knowing one day we will see him again in his new glorified body. May The Comforter abide with us now and in the days ahead.
We love you, Jerry Barham. Rest in peace.
