Acie “Jerry” Jennings, beloved and hard-working, was born February 11, 1941, in Sylacauga, Alabama, and passed away February 24, 2026, at the age of 85. After this introduction, Jerry will be remembered simply as “Jerry” by all who knew him best—because that is how he lived: close to people, close to home, and close to the life he loved. A resident of Sylacauga, Alabama, Jerry built his days around family, faithfulness, and the steady satisfaction of doing things with his own hands.
Jerry served in the U.S. Army, spending 13 months in Korea as a radar repairman. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and Expert Rifle recognition—honors that reflected his discipline and dedication. After his military service, he was self-employed in construction, continuing a lifetime of hard work and purpose, showing through example what it meant to provide, to persevere, and to finish what you start.
Jerry shared 66 years of marriage with his wife, Janice Bice Jennings, a love story marked by loyalty and the quiet strength of everyday commitment. He was a family man through and through—dedicated, present, and steady. His grandchildren, Madison Jennings and Henley Jennings, knew him as “PawPaw,” a name that carried warmth, safety, and the kind of love that doesn’t need many words. He tried to inspire an interest in hunting with his granddaughters, but it didn’t take—still, he kept showing up, making memories anyway. Some of the sweetest moments were the simple ones: Jerry swimming with the granddaughters in the pool, even when it was cold outside, choosing joy and togetherness over comfort.
A busy body at heart, Jerry was an outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing and was an “Honorary Member” of the Hatchett Creek Hunting Club. He also found deep satisfaction in woodworking—building furniture and shaping raw materials into something useful and lasting. He gardened up until the last year of his life, staying connected to the rhythms of the seasons and the quiet pride of tending what you’ve planted. In so many ways, Jerry’s life was a reflection of who he was: hands-on, faithful, and rooted.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Janice Bice Jennings; children, Lynn Jennings (Kathy) and Jason Jennings (Tiffany); grandchildren, Madison Jennings and Henley Jennings; and sisters, Rebecca Jennings Chandler and Sandra Jennings Dupree. He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Catherine Howell Jennings.
Visitation will be held at Radney-Smith Funeral Home, 320 North Elm Avenue, Sylacauga, Alabama 35150, on February 28, 2026, from 10:30 am until 12:30 pm. The funeral service will follow at Radney-Smith Funeral Home, Chapel, at 1:00 pm on February 28, 2026. Pastor Tommy Thornton will officiate. Jerry will be laid to rest at Weogufka Family Worship Center Cemetery, 20771 Coosa Co Rd 29, Weogufka.
Pallbearers will be Adam Grimes, Riley Sayers, Mark Bice, Randy McDaniel, Gene Grimes, James Stroud, Brad Gillum, and Kelley Stroud. Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Reynolds, Jimmy Perini, Ken Dupree, and Bob Reynolds.
Jerry’s legacy is not found in grand speeches, but in the steady, dependable love he gave—through work, through service, through family, and through a life lived with dedication. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/sylacauga-al/radney-smith-funeral-home/8516.
Radney-Smith Funeral Home in Sylacauga, AL will direct the services.
