Jerry Wooten

Jerry Donald Wooten, age 84, of Gadsden, Alabama, passed away suddenly at his home on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. A lifelong resident of Gadsden, Jerry was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, faithful friend, and a man known by many for his hard work, kind heart, and unforgettable personality.

Jerry was a faithful member of Central Avenue Holiness Church for over 50 years. He spent much of his working life co-owning Burger & Wooten Concrete before retiring from the business in the 1970s. After retirement, he opened “Wooten’s Garage,” where he became widely known as a master mechanic. Friends and family often said, “If it could be fixed, Ole Wooten could fix it.” Many proudly claimed their vehicles had been “Wootenized,” meaning they were truly fixed right.

Outside of work, Jerry had a deep love for racing. He raced at Green Valley Drag Strip for over 10 years during the 1970s, where many remembered him behind the wheel of his famous “Plum Crazy” ’56 Chevrolet. Those who knew him best will always remember the stories, laughter, and good times shared around the drag strip and garage.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Ruth Wooten; daughters, Teresa (LaMont) Hollis and Tina (Ricky) McDaniel; grandchildren, Brandon (Kristen) Hollis, Leighandrea (Chris) Browning, Brittni (Zac) Hendrix of Auburn, and Terri (Michael) Brady of New Jersey; great-grandchildren, Hayden Hollis, Caleb Browning, Abby Browning, Hudson Hollis, Eryn Hollis, Martyce Brady, Ivory Brady, and Xavier Brady; and great-great-grandchildren, Karmen Hall, Karmela Concepcion, Heavenly Brady, Angel Brady, Matthew Brady, Elizabeth Brady, Aly Hollis, and Jace Hollis.

He was preceded in death by his precious daughter, Tabby Wooten, in 2024; his granddaughter, Brandi Hollis, who was born on May 13th, the same day Jerry gained his heavenly wings 41 years later; his parents, Elihu and Delphi Wooten; and all of his brothers and sisters, as Jerry was the last surviving member of his family.

Honorary pallbearers will be LaMont Hollis, Ricky McDaniel, Caleb Browning, Brandon Hollis, Chris Browning, Hayden Hollis, and Zac Hendrix.

The family wishes to express special thanks to Denise and Robbie Gray, Malinda and Mark Magnum, and Loretta and Andy Pollard for everything, it never went unnoticed.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Collier-Butler Funeral Home. Pastor Curtis Mason will officiate. Burial will follow at Rainbow Memorial Gardens. Family hour will begin at 11:00 am. The family will receive friends from 12:00 pm until the hour of the service at the funeral home.