Jerry Ray Witten, 72, passed away Monday, January 4, 2021 in Decatur, Alabama. He was born August 1, 1948 in Louisville, Kentucky to Elmo Dempsey Witten and Esther Rae Warren. He was raised and loved by Shelby and Daphne Stump, Glen and Frances Knauer, Mr. and Mrs. Gill, Cleo and Margaret Taylor, and Bud and Billie Searcy. Jerry graduated from Portland Christian School in 1967 and Southeastern Christian College in 1969 where he played basketball for the Torches.
He married the love of his life, Margaret Ann, on December 27, 1969. He worked at General Electric for 40 years retiring in 2009. Most recently, he found a passion for helping develop leaders while serving as a leadership coach for Eagle Consulting and Dynetics.
Jerry was a lover and follower of Jesus Christ. He was a devoted husband, shepherding father and gentle grandfather. Jerry served our country in the US Army and was a passionate patriot. He was an avid Kentucky Wildcat basketball fan, LSU football and baseball enthusiast and all around sports fan. One of his greatest joys was to watch his grandchildren excel in their sports whether it be softball, baseball, soccer, cheerleading, golf or football. His goal in life was to love God and love people. He belonged to First Baptist Church Decatur where he served on the Personnel Board and Benevolence Committee and anything else he was asked to do.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Elmo Dempsey Witten and Esther Rae Warren; sister, Judy Barcus.
Left to cherish Jerry’s memory is his loving wife of 51 years, Margaret “Meg” Witten; children- Chad (Rachel), Jeremy (Jennifer), Jamie Crim (Walter); grandchildren, Avery, Ann-Marie, Reagan, Abigail, Caleb, Witten, Amelia, and Elijah; siblings, Darryl, Jay, Danny Taylor, Mike Searcy, and Pat Beyerle; numerous nieces and nephews, and dear friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, January 15, 2021 at 4:00 pm at First Baptist Church Decatur with visitation starting at 2:00 pm.
The Funeral Service will be Monday, January 18, 2021 at 12:00pm at Evergreen Funeral Home in Louisville, Kentucky with visitation on Sunday from 1:00pm – 8:00pm at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to Portland Christian School or Alabama Baptist Children’s Home in his memory.
Please visit www.Evergreen-Louisville.com to share condolences with Jerry’s family.
