Jerry Lynn Woodlief

Jerry passed away early Friday morning on October 7, 2022. He resided in Old Hickory, TN, and he was 79 years old. He was born in Knoxville, TN, to WI (Woody) and Naomi Woodlief. Upon his graduation from Theodore Riggs High School, Jerry joined the United States Army in 1962 and served as a paratrooper. During his service, he received the PRCHT badge, the Armed Forces Expeditionary medal, and the Combat Infantryman’s badge. He was honorably discharged in 1968. He married Mary Elizabeth Barbee in 1969.

Jerry will be remembered for the way he treated people. He was a man who was fiercely loyal to his God, his country, his family and his friends. He did not view anyone differently then he viewed himself because he understood that we are all the same in the eyes of Jesus. Jerry was a fighter who was raised to use his fists instead of his words, but he overcame that to become a man of peace. Jerry was a walking mission field and used over 50 years of pipefitting to lead countless people to Jesus. Jerry was someone that people wanted to be around because he made everyone feel seen, heard, and important. He is the primary reason many of us feel confident in who God made us to be, because he always encouraged us to do so.

Jerry was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Jael Renee Woodlief. Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Mary (Barbee) Woodlief and their three children Shane, Shonda and Joshua. He is also blessed with 7 grandchildren.

A celebration of life service will be held at Northfield Church in Gallatin, TN, on Wednesday, October 12th. Visitation will begin at 11:30AM, and the service will begin at 1PM.

Jerry’s life verses were Romans 8:38-39. 38 “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Elevate Madison Ministries, 501(c)3 Ministry, 719 Gallatin Pike S, Madison, TN 37115. Jerry volunteered weekly with this ministry that serves the homeless of the community.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestLawnFuneral-Goodlettsville.com for the Woodlief family.