Jerry L. Josey, Sr. was born on June 28th, 1939, to William and Lurline (Merritt) Josey. As the eldest of his siblings, Jerry embraced responsibility early, playing a vital role in helping develop and manage the family’s dairy farm off Old West Point Road. He also began learning plumbing skills from his father along the way. His upbringing instilled a devotion to family and a tireless work ethic. He was a longtime member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Starkville, with the late Rev. James “Nap” V. Clark as pastor.
Jerry graduated from Starkville High School, Class of 1957, and served in the United States Navy from 1961-1964, where he completed Aviation Electrician’s Mate A-School. His military service tours included assignments at San Diego and Iceland.
On December 31, 1965, Jerry married the former Patricia (Pat) Ann Thrasher of Starkville; they had four children. He always worked hard to provide for his family and make time to help others along the way. He joined a local journeyman pipe-fitting union where he learned mastery skills necessary for large industrial work sites. He acquired extensive knowledge in pipe-fitting instrumentation, drafting and design layout for complex, high-pressure piping systems, which often involved chemicals and gases. He also gained specialized skills in welding and fabrication and heavy-rigging for equipment at large industrial facilities.
In 1971, after years of working on the road in areas of Alabama and Arkansas as a skilled pipefitter, Jerry settled in Starkville and worked alongside his father and youngest sibling and only brother, Mike, as part of Josey & Son’s Plumbing.
When his father retired a few years later, Jerry became sole owner/operator of Josey Plumbing and served the communities of Starkville and the surrounding areas until he retired in 2003. His belief in personal integrity and responsibility carried over to his approach in business as he always tried to treat others fairly and have mercy for the less fortunate. His reputation and attention to detail in his work is what brought repeat customers; he seldom advertised, as he usually had more work than he could reasonably handle.
Jerry and Pat shared over 30 years together, and made a point to have a little anniversary celebration every New Year’s Eve, until the untimely death of Pat in 1996, due to illness.
Known sometimes for his gruff or serious demeanor, Jerry softened as he grew older, showing a gentler approach in the way he related to others. He was a proud father and grandfather who passed on the values of hard work, integrity, and perseverance to his children and grandchildren. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all whose lives he touched.
Jerry is survived by three daughters Hope Stanley (Russell) of Madison, AL; Renee J. Palmer (Brian), of Madison, AL; Lisa J. Fondren (Sidney), of Starkville, MS and one son, Jerry (Jay) L. Josey, Jr. (Tiffany) of Starkville, MS; six grandsons, four granddaughters and three great grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters, Mary Lynn Davis of Modoc, S.C., Carolyn Lewis of Picayune, MS, Anna Bates of Richland and one brother, Mike Josey of Montpelier, MS.
Jerry is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia (Pat) Thrasher Josey; his father William “Dink” Josey; his mother, Lurline (Merritt) Josey and one grandson, John Lee “Little John” McLean, Jr.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 2:00 pm with visitation just prior from 1:00 pm -2:00 pm at Welch Funeral Home, 201 West Lampkin St., Starkville, MS 39759.
Interment will immediately follow the service at Odd Fellows Cemetery, University Drive, Starkville.
Pallbearers will be Jerry’s six grandsons: Kyle Stanley, Chase Stanley, Caden Stanley, Christopher Palmer,
Timothy Palmer and Jonathan Palmer.
The family would like to invite all family and friends to an informal reception immediately following interment at the home of Lisa & Sidney Fondren, 7163 Hwy 389, Starkville, MS 39759.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Emmanuel Baptist Church Ministry, 4211 Old Highway 12, Starkville, MS 39759.
