Jerry Johnson Griffey, 90, of Fountain City, peacefully departed this life and reunited with his beloved wife, Joan, on Tuesday, October 7, 2024.

This sentence starts the obituary of Jerry Griffey, well-known Fountain City business and civic leader. He and Joan operated Gentry-Griffey Funeral Home for 40 years.

His services were Friday, October 11, 2024, at Fountain City United Methodist Church where he was a member for 53 years and sang in the Chancel Choir.

Between his funeral on Friday and his graveside services on Saturday, Mr. Griffey had six Methodist ministers participating. As honorary pallbearers, he invited every funeral professional, both past and present.

The love and goodwill that Jerry showed others came back to him tenfold.

Jeff Shackelford of Shackelford Funeral Directors in Bolivar, Tennessee, wrote:

“Jerry’s presentations at the annual Tennessee Funeral Directors Association convention were always a highlight for me. Humorous, uplifting and informational, all at once. He was loved by all his fellow directors.

“Additionally, he was always a dear friend to the Shackelford Family. His kind words and encouragement will never be forgotten by us.”

Eric Botts, who comes from a funeral home family and operated Gentry Griffey for a time after Mr. Griffey sold the business, wrote: “The funeral industry lost one of the best today. Jerry Griffey was one of the last true statesmen. The definition of a southern gentleman. I’m grateful for the time we had together. And I’m happy that he is finally reunited with his love.”

James and Angela Bell called Jerry “a beloved community activist … with good humor, who was kind and compassionate (even to us Presbyterians).”

Farrar Funeral Home in Jefferson City ran Jerry’s entire obituary on its website with a header: “In memory of a good friend.”

R. Larry Smith recalled that Jerry often hired him and other Central High School students to park cars at the funeral home. “He was very professional in dealing with the families and staff. On the sidelines, he was hilarious.”

And Fountain City’s own Jim Whedbee wrapped it up: “Man, did he ever know how to ‘put on’ a funeral! First class service and care for the family, and he never lacked for words. This is a huge loss for our church and community!”