Jerry W. Little
November 14, 1948 – March 21, 2018
Jerry W. Little, age 69, of Ripley, TN passed away on March 21, 2018 at the Lauderdale County Community Hospital. Graveside services are set for 4 p.m. Saturday, March 24, 2018 at Mary's Chapel Cemetery near Ripley,TN. A celebration of life reception will follow in the activities building of the First United Methodist Church of Ripley at 5:00 p.m. Jerry was born in Madison County, TN, son of the late Mildred (Mem) Mills Brasher and step-son of the late John B. Brasher, both of Bemis, TN and the grandson of the late P.D. and Mary Bethel Maddox Mills, Sr. of Bemis, TN. Jerry was a 1966 graduate of South Side High School in Jackson TN and graduated from Jackson State Community College in 1968. He earned his Bachelors of Education degree from Union University in 1970, where he was also a chosen member of The Rutledge Honorary History Club. He then earned his Master's in School Counseling and Guidance from Memphis State University in 1975. Jerry spent over thirty years of his life serving as an educator. Whether in the classroom, as an administrator, or as a school director, his dedication to shaping the career paths of his students left a lasting impression that will remain a part of his legacy. After retirement, he started a second career as a probation officer, serving Lauderdale and Crockett counties and the city of Milan, TN. where he also served on the Board of the Drug Court. His desire to council and educate was evident in his new job by supporting individuals and guiding them to programs needed for recovery. As an active community member and sports enthusiast in Ripley and Lauderdale County, Jerry coached baseball and peewee football in the early 1970's, coached summer league T-Ball and softball in the 1980's-90's, and was an on-air announcer for Ripley High School football and baseball games for W.T.R.B radio station. He was also an integral part of bringing the youth soccer program to Ripley in the 90's where he served as a coach and referee. Jerry was also actively involved in Dixie Youth Softball, serving as Head Umpire for many years and spending countless hours behind home plate and on the first base sideline. Other community activities included being a member and past President of the Ripley Rotary Club, being a former Mason, and participating in the yearly Relay for Life events. Jerry was an active member of Ripley First United Methodist Church. He served and led many committees throughout the years. He was a member of Methodist Men, the Sunday school teacher for the Men's Comeback Class, and a volunteer for the "Lunch With Us" program. In 2001, Jerry became a member of the West Tennessee Emmaus Community where he served on several walks. Each time he went on a walk, he came back with a renewed spirit, wanting to serve his church and community with a greater passion. He always encouraged others to attend the Emmaus walk, because it was one of the greatest journeys of his life. Jerry is survived by his wife and best friend of 45 years, Louanne (Rains) Little, his daughter, Erin Rinay (Little) Tims, and his son-in-law, Josh Tims both of Gates, TN. He also leaves his beloved dogs, Maggie and Lily, and his grand-dogs, Barley and Flash. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Paul Little, Sr. of Bemis, TN and Johnny Walker of Henning, TN, by his mother-in-law, Virginia (Mrs. JT) Rains of Memphis, and by his constant companions Licorice, Dixie, and Morgan. Jerry leaves three sisters-in-law, Dotty Little of Bemis, TN, Kathy Walker of Henning, TN, and Leigh (Rains) Stone of Bartlett, TN as well as two brothers-in-law, Mike Johnson of Fayetteville, TN and Scott Stone of Bartlett, TN. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the "Lunch With Us", "Martha's Cupboard", or "The Methodist Men" funds of the Ripley First United Methodist Church 145 S. Main St. Ripley,TN 38063 or to The West Tennessee Emmaus Community in Jackson, TN. Previous Events Grave side service MAR 24. 4:00 PM (CT) Mary's Chapel Cemetery 279 Mary's Chapel Rd. Ripley, TN 38063
Halls Funeral Home
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