Jerry Wayne Thorne, 65, loving husband, adored Dad, proud Papa, and friend to many, went to his eternal home on November 30, 2021. Jerry was born on September 4, 1956 in Red Bay, AL to J.W. and Eupal Thorn. He graduated from Red Bay High School in 1974 and North MS Technical School. Jerry’s first job was when he was eleven at Clyde Jackson’s gas station and from then on, he worked a variety of jobs around town, including Horton’s Barbecue, but for 20+ years you could find him at the NAPA store in town. He made many great friends and memories there and loved interacting with his customers and friends. Even though he worked long hours, he was never so busy that he missed one of his children’s ballgames or events. In his spare time you could find him working around the house, on a car, or in the garden on his tractor. He was never very far from his wife, Beverly’s side. They enjoyed many adventures together in their forty-two years of marriage and it was obvious to anyone that she was the apple of his eye. Although Jerry was a great father, he was an even better Papa. Whether it was making up silly songs, riding them on the tractor or lawn mower, leaving little surprises on the porch for them to find, fishing, or watching ballgames, being with his grandkids was his favorite thing to do. Jerry was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of twelve and as he got older, developed a lot of the complications that come with it. He was always determined not to let that slow him down. He was a man of his word and you could always count on him to do what he said he would do. Jerry cared deeply for his family and even after his children were grown, he was willing to drop everything and help in any way. Even after he became physically disabled, he was still his family’s go to for advice and he loved sharing it. He also loved sharing stories from his life and making people laugh with his silly jokes. He was a member of James Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and was excited to talk to anyone, anytime about his Lord and Savior.
Funeral services to celebrate Jerry’s life will be Saturday, December 4, 11 a.m. at Deaton Funeral Home Chapel, Red Bay, AL with Bro. Kenneth Bond officiating. Burial will be in Burnout Cemetery, Vina, AL. Deaton Funeral Home, Red Bay, AL will be in charge of arrangements.
Jerry is survived by his wife – Beverly Thorne; two children -Amber Rieder (Josh) and Heath Thorne (Tiffany); eight grandchildren – Elijah Hill and Weston Hill, Tristan, Eirabelle, Valen and Tatum Rieder and Jeremiah and Joshua Thorne; one sister – Kathy Hacker (Danny) and one nephew – Brad Ivy (Sonya). He was also a foster Papa to many kids throughout the years and loved them all.
He was preceded in death by his parents, J.W. and Eupal Thorn, his in-laws, Burlion and Willie Mae Gober and his brother-in-law, David Ivy.
Jerry was one of a kind and can never be replaced in our hearts. We are comforted in knowing that he is healthy and happy in his eternal home and that this is not goodbye forever. Until we are reunited, we will miss you, our husband, Dad, Papa, brother, uncle and friend.
Pallbearers will be Chris Brazil, Sonny Martin, Don Boyd, Joel Page, Bobby Patterson and Brad Ivy. Honorary pallbearers will be Rex Patterson, Marlin Gober, Jr. and Larry McCalpin.
Visitation will be Friday, December 3, 5-8 p.m. at Deaton Funeral Home, Red Bay, AL.
