Following graduation from Hot Springs High School, Jerry attended Arkansas State College where he trained to be a Linotype print operator. After finishing his training, he worked at Muncrief Printing, before changing careers to become a trusted and respected salesman. Jerry would enjoy a long and prestigious career in auto sales where he had a knack for making lifelong friends with many of his customers. He began sales with the staff of Chitwood Motors in Hot Springs. He would later join the team of Jo Ed Hawkins Chevrolet, Gary Davis Chevrolet, Allen Tillery Chevrolet and retired from Reggie Jones Motors in Glenwood, Arkansas.
Jerry was an avid sports enthusiast from his youth and enjoyed rooting for the Arkansas Razorbacks and Dallas Cowboys. He was an avid softball fan and played on various leagues with coworkers, friends & fellow guardsmen. He and his brother Lee were the best of friends supporting the same teams unless the Florida Gators happened to be playing the Razorbacks. The bond they shared was lifelong even through fierce sibling rivalry when those two teams came together!
He was a proud Master Sergeant with the Air National Guard, where he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious service. Jerry was a General Purpose Vehicle Repairman from 1975 to 1983 and earned this award for outstanding professional skill, knowledge and leadership qualities.
Meeting Jerry in Heaven are his parents and brother Garry Dockery.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Marty Dockery and Shelly Tankerlsey; brother, Dr. J. Lee Dockery (Barbara); grandchildren, Ashley Reynolds (Ricky), Lacy Short (Drew), Logan Dockery (Heather), Drew Duggan, Caroline Tankersley, Allyson Tankersley, Madelyn Tankersley; five great grandchildren; two nieces, three nephews and special friends, Clyde and Kathy Fitzhugh.
Serving as Pallbearers are Mike Dockery, Logan Dockery, Drew Short, Ricky Reynolds, Drew Duggan and Jasey Fitzhugh.
A visitation will be held in the Chapel of Gross Funeral Home Saturday at 1:00 P.M. with Funeral Services beginning at 2:00 P.M. Burial will immediately follow at Sweet Home Cemetery in Amity.
