Jesse Meeks Tyree, 87, of Bartlett, TN, passed away peacefully at his home on Thurs-day, October 3, 2019. Jesse was born December 13, 1931, in Trenton, TN. Jesse placed his hope in Jesus Christ and was a faithful charter member of Harmony Church of Bartlett. Jesse graduated from Springhill School in Trenton, before serving in the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Jesse met Virginia Ruth Oliver of Dyer, TN, and married her six weeks later. Jesse and Ruth were married 49 happy years before her passing in 2004. Jesse later married Joan Markham of Millington, TN, with whom he was happily married for 10 years before her passing. Jesse retired from McCormick, Inc. Throughout his life, he was a dedicated Memphis Tigers fan, and later became an avid Memphis Grizzlies fan. Jesse was a caring husband and wonderful father. He was a wonderful cook and enjoyed serving his family and friends; he loved being in their midst. Jesse was a strong, proud and good man. He was loved and will be missed by many!
Jesse was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Perry Tyree and Sallie Melissa Enochs Tyree, sisters Mary Enochs, Sara Gowan, Lucy Kennedy, Lillie Allen, brother Cyrus Tyree, wife Ruth Oliver Tyree, and wife Joan Markham Tyree. Jesse is survived by his children: Tim (Kathy) Tyree and Amy (Denny) McGivern of Memphis, Ted (Ellen) Tyree of Knoxville, and step-son Carl Jones (Millington). Jesse was the proud grandfather of 8 grandchildren, Joshua (Susan) Tyree, Dalton Tyree, Kevin Nuckolls, Emily (Dave) Stecher, Jessie (Ben) Jenness, Savannah Tyree, Zach Tyree, Laurel Tyree, and 5 great grandchildren. Jesse is also survived by his beloved cat, Elmer.
Serving as pallbearers will be his four grandsons and four nephews (Gary Winfield, Keith Winfield, Bubba Oliver and Brad Oliver).
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to either Madonna Learning Center or Le-Bonheur Children’s Hospital.
