Jerry Lowell Secrist I

Jerry Lowell Secrist passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at the age of 92, surrounded by his family following a brief battle with cancer. He was known for his love and devotion to his family, his kindness and generosity, and his ability to connect with anyone he met.

Born in Butler, Ohio, Jerry was the son of Freda Mary and Raymond Secrist. Following his graduation from Mansfield High School, he was hired by Montgomery Ward as a radio repairman. He married the love of his life, Elizabeth Mae Turner, on May 16, 1953, in New York, and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service for 67 years until her passing in 2020.

Jerry is survived by his devoted children, Pamela Charters (Richard), Laura Ellen Hawk, Valerie Harris (Mike), Jerry L. Secrist II (Dawn), and Mary E. McCollum (Brad); his cherished grandchildren, Steven, David, Christopher, Lori, Cynthia, Sharrina, Aymi, Joshua, Alisa, Marrissa, and Rachel; and many precious great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his brothers, Merle Secrist and Stanley "Eddie" Secrist, along with many nieces, nephews, and treasured friends who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Elizabeth, his brother Ronald Secrist, and his son-in-law Bradford Hawk.

Jerry served in the U.S. Air Force as an aviation meteorologist at the end of the Korean War and during the Vietnam War. He briefed pilots on the weather and the safest routes for their assigned missions. After 26 years in the Air Force and retiring as Master Sergeant, Jerry worked for Global Weather Dynamics in Monterey, California, whose key client was FedEx. In 1983, FedEx founder and CEO Fred Smith hired Jerry and a few select colleagues to establish the company's meteorological department in Memphis. Jerry spent nearly two decades with FedEx before retiring in 1999.

One recognition Jerry was particularly honored to receive was being commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel in 2012, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the Governor of Kentucky for outstanding community service, remarkable deeds, and noteworthy accomplishments. During his tenure at FedEx, he received multiple Bravo Zulu awards in recognition of outstanding performance beyond normal job expectations.

Weather remained one of Jerry's lifelong passions, and even into his 90s he was still the trusted forecaster for family and friends. He could also fix nearly anything, but what he enjoyed even more was teaching his son and others, giving them the confidence to tackle the next project on their own.

Jerry had a sharp, brilliant, and inquisitive mind and enjoyed an active lifestyle, including supporting his grandchildren's academic and athletic pursuits, until just weeks before his passing. He loved traveling, woodworking, storytelling, cross-stitching, ceramics, electronics, gardening, and automotive maintenance.

A devout Christian, Jerry loved his Lord and Savior and was a member of Central Church in Collierville, Tennessee, where he served as an usher for many years. Each month, he looked forward to fellowship with his friends at the Come Alive church dinners. Jerry was also a faithful member of the FedEx Retiree Club. For more than 20 years, Jerry and his family provided centerpieces for the club's monthly luncheons. He even designed the centerpiece for the June 2026 luncheon shortly before being hospitalized.

Jerry lived life to the fullest and never met a stranger. He was hardworking but always had a gentle spirit and ample time to share a "Daddy joke." His smile and optimistic outlook will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

His family will deeply miss him and will strive each day to honor his enduring legacy of faith, family, and service.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honor Jerry's memory to consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Central Church.

The family will receive friends at on Wednesday, June 17 from 4:00 until 7:00 PM, at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee. A private service for the family will follow on Thursday. Jerry will be interred at West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery.