Gerald "Jerry" Dewey Pannell

It is with great sadness at our loss, but gratitude for a life well-lived, that we share the news of the death of Gerald “Jerry” Dewey Pannell, who left this world on Friday, May 8, 2015, after a brief but valiant battle with brain cancer.

He leaves behind a devoted wife Ann England Pannell, daughter Melinda Hasty (Barry), sons Rodney Chumley (Tricia) and Doug Thornton (Shelley), eight grandchildren Brett, Brittany, Jamie, Jordan, Blake, Brianna, Colby, and Cali, one great-grandaughter Baylee, brother Randy Pannell (Gail) , sister Sandy Yountz, and a host of nieces, nephews, and beloved friends.

Jerry was born on August 19, 1947 to Robert and Betty (Green) Pannell. He graduated from Georgia State University in 1973 and went on to build a successful career in the children’s toy industry.

He will be remembered as a fiercely loyal and loving husband, step-father, granddaddy, great-granddaddy, brother, uncle, friend, and golfing buddy. An avid golfer, Jerry enjoyed the challenge of the links, and his heart belonged to his beloved home course, Pinetree Country Club, where he could often be found playing a round or enjoying food and fellowship with his friends.

Jerry leaves us all humbled by the privilege of loving him, inspired to live lives worthy of his name, and grateful for God’s promise that we will be reunited again one day.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, May 12 from 5-7 p.m. at Winkenhofer-Pine Ridge Funeral Home in Kennesaw. The memorial service will follow immediately in the Winkenhofer-Pine Ridge chapel, with Dr. Wallace Wheeles and Reverend Lamar Rackley officiating. In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) at cotaforteambriannar.com in honor of Jerry Pannell or Pinetree Country Club Beautification Fund in honor of Jerry Pannell.