William "Jerry" Wilson

William "Jerry" Wilson, a cherished lifelong farmer, devoted gin owner/operator, and beloved member of the Somerville and Hardeman County communities, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2026, at his home in the Newcastle area of Hardeman County, Tennessee. Born on September 27, 1930, in Whiteville, Tennessee, Jerry lived a life rooted deeply in the land and the people he loved.

Jerry's dedication to agriculture was more than just his vocation; it was his passion. For several years, he sold fertilizer and seed for Oseola Seed, ensuring that farmers in the region had the resources they needed to cultivate their fields. Alongside his brother, Robert, he was the original owner of "The Hut" restaurant, a cherished local establishment in Somerville, Tennessee, which bore testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and community-minded heart.

A man of many talents, Jerry found joy in carpentry and woodworking, crafting with a patient hand and a creative eye. He loved riding the farm, taking in the sight of his crops growing strong and healthy, and traveling across the country to visit cotton farms, blending his love of agriculture with his spirit of adventure. Additionally, he served as a volunteer fireman with the District 15 Fire Department from  it's inception.  Feeding his catfish was one of his simple pleasures, and spending time with his family brought him immense happiness. Throughout his life, Jerry remained a steadfast member of the Whiteville Methodist Church, a pillar of faith and fellowship.

Jerry’s roots ran deep. He lived his entire life in the Whiteville/Newcastle area, always close to where he was born, embodying a profound connection to his community and the land that defined him.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father, John Wesley Wilson; his mother, Verna Edna Davis Wilson; his beloved spouse, Juan "Judy" Tenry Wilson, whom he married on June 14, 1980 and she preceded him in death on March 15, 2026; his sister, Maxine Crawford; his brother, Robert Wilson; a son-in-law, Billy Joe Spicer; and two grandchildren, Jerrie Lynn Taylor and Jamie Jo Nelson.

He leaves behind a loving family who will carry his legacy forward with fond memories and unwavering love: his daughters, Sarah Fowler and Dan of Knoxville; Becky Nelson and Jay of Salem, Arkansas; Patricia Spicer of Somerville; and Cheryl McKnight and Joey of Savannah, Tennessee. Jerry is also survived by a son, Jerry Tenry and Kenda of Hohenwald, Tennessee; his grandchildren, Nikki Culver; Brent Rickman; Marla Hartsook; Walter Nelson; Josh Nelson; Jordan Willett, Lanea Murray, Brian Tenry, Brad Tenry, Katie Tenry, Heather Leber and Julie Binnion. He also took great pride in his many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, whose lives were enriched by his presence.

The community is invited to honor William "Jerry" Wilson’s remarkable life with visitation at Shackelford Funeral Directors in Bolivar, Tennessee, on June 14, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Following this, a funeral service will be held at the same location from 2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Jerry will then be laid to rest at Bolivar Memorial Cemetery.

Jerry’s life was a testament to enduring values—hard work, faith, family, and friendship. His gentle spirit, tireless dedication to farming, and loving nature leave an indelible mark on all who knew him. Though he has passed from this world, his memory will continue to grow like the fields he so tenderly cared for, a lasting tribute to a man who lived fully and loved deeply. Memorial contributions in his name may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) or Whiteville Methodist Church, 219 E Main St, Whiteville, TN 38075.