Jeffrey Lee York

Jeffrey Lee York, 65, departed this life on December 25, 2025 at his home. He was born August 30, 1960 to the late Marvin Lee and Nell Jo Derryberry York.

Jeff was diagnosed with the condition Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva or “Stone Man’s Syndrome” at a young age. Ignoring his physical limitations, he lived a very full life. He graduated from McNairy Central High School in 1978. He served as sports editor for the Independent Appeal and as a writer for the Daily Corinthian, covering sports and news articles for over 25 years. Jeff was awarded numerous accolades for his writings.

In 2011, Jeff was awarded the McNairy County Citizen of the Year. He was inducted into the McNairy Central Sports Hall of Fame in 2017 and compiled historic records for McNairy Central athletics.

Jeff coached the Chewalla Baptist Men’s Softball Team, resulting in 5 state championships. He also coached a Women’s Softball Team, properly named Our Team, in the 90’s and also won a state title. In 2000, Jeff retired from coaching.

Jeff was known as a “True Blue” McNairy Central Bobcat fan, an “I Bleed Orange” UT fan, and a “Go Crazy” St. Louis Cardinal fan. However, Jeff would always say if you only knew him because of this, then he had failed to convey the most important message: Jesus Christ is his Savior.

Jeff was quick to share he was a Christian and member of Chewalla Baptist Church; teaching a College and Career Sunday School class, publishing a church newsletter, developing the church’s Facebook page, establishing a GROW ministry team, and just calling to invite people to church.

Jeff is survived by sisters, Kristy Hopkins and Robin (Richard) Gafford; brother, Mark (Robin)York; nieces, nephew and their children; Maegan (Riley) Gray (Lexie, Brantley, Hallie Beth), Lacey (Logan) Chappell (Brooklyn, Zaiden, Camden, Cohen), Adrianne (Chris) Whitten (Laken, London), Austin (Leigh) Gafford (child, Hayven), Victoria (Trevor) Ferrell, and Kyndle York.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parent; brother, Paul York; nieces, Allison Gafford and Kayla York; and nephew, Fulton York.