Our beloved father, brother, “Papa”, and friend, Jerry Wayne McLemore, 79, passed away peacefully at his home in Ripley, Thursday, October 10, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones.
Funeral Services honoring Mr. Jerry’s life will be at 3 PM Sunday October 13, 2024, in the Heritage Chapel of the Ripley Funeral Home with Bro. Randy Hamilton and Dr. Mark Nail officiating. Visitation will be from 10 AM until time of service on Sunday October 13, 2024, at Ripley Funeral Home. Burial follow in Tippah Memorial Gardens.
Born September 25, 1945, in Blanche TN, Mr. Jerry was the son of the late John Briggs and Ruth Marie Bishop McLemore. He received his education from Blanche TN Public School System and was a faithful member of The First Methodist Church in Ripley. He was a valued employee of the Tippah County Hospital for many years, serving as the Chief Medical Technologist and later was co-owner of Mid-South Medical Supply in Ripley. He certainly represented the Medical Field well, as he was dedicated to Tippah County, serving others throughout his career.
An athletic person who enjoyed a round or two of golf, Mr. Jerry will be remembered as someone who was very competitive in all sports and games he played. He was an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves Baseball, Dallas Cowboys Football and Ole Miss athletics. Some of Mr. Jerry’s other favorite pastimes included listening to the Statler Brother’s Quartet and the Gaither Vocal Band.
A quiet and gentle soul, but never failed to get his point across when speaking, Mr. Jerry was known as a people person, who never met a stranger and enjoyed socializing with everyone. Above all his greatest accomplishment was his family. Mr. Jerry wore the title, “Papa” proudly, as grand and great grandchildren were his pride and joy. He led his family by example, knowing they could look to him for guidance and rely on him always. His commitment to his community, faithful friendship to everyone, and unwavering love for his family will never be forgotten. How lucky are we to have had something so great, that saying goodbye is so hard.
Those left to cherish his memories include his children, Deena Coombs (Jeff) of Blue Mountain, Vince McLemore (Renae) of Ripley and Wayne McLemore (Vicky) of Caledonia, one brother, Phillip McLemore of Taft, TN, and ten wonderful grandchildren, Casey King (Matt), Kelly Wicks (Kayleb), Peyton McLemore, Dylan Hill (Cigi), Mason McLemore, Marion McLemore, Nathan McLemore (Clara), Lexi Hiser (Eli), Loren Elliott, and Austin Elliott, and seven great grandchildren.
In addition to his wife of fifty-four years, Elizabeth Ann Murphy McLemore, he is also preceded in death by one son, Darwin Scott McLemore, five brothers, and one sister.
Those serving as pallbearers will be Tommy Benson, Ken Cooper, Al Graves, Blake Kuykendall, Steven Johnson, and Bill McCoy.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Gentiva Hospice and caretakers Mary Hilyer, Geraldine “Gigi” Young, Lillie “Sis” Dortch, Lori Story, Gwen Evans, Amber Prophette, and Shanekia Tucker. Their faithful care and unconditional love shown to Mr. Jerry and the family did not go unnoticed.
Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with Mr. Jerry’s family.
