Jerry Thomas "Tommy" Waits Jr.

Jerry was born on 4 October 1967 in Louisville, Kentucky. Upon graduation from East Hardin High School, he pursued his passion for building by framing houses in Hardin County. He was overjoyed and proud to join the Carpenters Union (Local 175) in 1997 and continued that work for the next 28 years. During his career, he worked on many prominent projects throughout Kentucky gaining many friends and the respect of his co-workers.

He was an avid fan of the Kentucky Wildcats and, of course, his beloved Cleveland Browns. These things, however, were surpassed by his love and compassion for his family and friends.

Left to mourn his passing are his devoted wife of 26 years, Monique Tapp Waits; his mother, Valeria Martin; his father, Jerry Thomas Waits Sr.; son, Austin Waits; two granddaughters, Harper and Hazel Waits; sister, Becky Sue Waits; mother-in-law, Dee Tapp; sisters-in-law, Martina Spalding (Danny), Melissa Gaddie (Jeff), Melanie Tapp, Anya DeLaura (Michael); nephew, Andrew Waits-Foley; niece, Laine Gaddie (Taylor Zech); great-nephew, Parker Thomas Foley; and his faithful rescue companion, Lily.

In keeping with Jerry's wishes, cremation was chosen. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made out in his honor to any local humane society.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 10am - 1pm at Brown Funeral Home in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Memorial Service will start at 1pm officiated by Reverend Benedict J. Brown.