Jerry L. Thurber, 91, of Knoxville, was reunited in heaven with his loving wife, on April 16, 2024. Jerry was born July 16, 1932 in Evansville, Indiana. Soon after graduating high school, Jerry joined the United States Air Force. The Air Force took him to Knoxville, where he would meet Margaret. Jerry and Margaret were married in 1955 and welcomed a son, Marty, in 1959. While in the Air Force, Jerry spent a lot of time overseas. He spent 2 years in Japan, where he climbed Mt. Fuji, serving one year in Germany and served in the Korean War. After serving in the U.S. Air Force and Reserves for 6 years, Jerry continued his service to his country in the Air National Guard from 1957-1990. Jerry was a member of Second United Methodist Church in Knoxville for 72 years. There, he and Margaret lead the youth group for many years, serving on several committees and boards and could often be found helping with anything that needed to be done. He loved his church and its people.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Mary Elizabeth and Gilbert William Uhl; wife of 67 years, Margaret and grandson, Cory Thurber. Jerry leaves behind his son, Marty (Tammy) Thurber; grandchildren, Kristen (Wes) Morris, Cody (Christine) Thurber, Nichole Olson, Michael (Kristen) Olson; great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Harrison, Cooper, Serenity, Baylynn, Kobe, Ashton and Cayde, as well as many nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held for Jerry on Monday, April 22, 2024 from 12:30-2pm at Second United Methodist Church, 1524 Western Avenue, with a funeral service to follow at 2pm. A graveside will be held at Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery at 3pm. In memory of Jerry and his love for Tennessee football, the family requests family and friends wear Tennessee Orange. Pallbearers will be Marty Thurber, Michael Olson, Rusty Rutherford, Cody Thurber, Jeff Painter and Wes Morris. Honorary Pallbearers are Bob Rutherford and Bill Rutherford.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Second United Methodist Church youth group, in memory of Jerry.
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