Jerry Lee Peoples

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Ruth (Smith) Peoples, a sister Sheila (Bell) Walker.

He is survived by his loving wife Debbie Peoples and his nephew Frank “Buddy” Bell, Jr and his wife, Kelly, great-niece, Rachel, and two great-nephews, Jake and Josh.

He was born in Pensacola, Florida on July 7, 1943. He lived in multiple locations due to his father’s military service in the Navy. He graduated from Frayser High School in 1961. He then served two years in the Military, stationed in Korea. After he was honorably discharged, he received a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration from the University of Mississippi in Oxford in 1969.

He began a 15-year career in marketing in the Products Division of Holiday Inns, Inc. in Memphis, TN. In the mid-1980’s, he started his own successful business in residential and commercial real estate development. His mother and mother-in-law inspired him to research and ultimately develop and build two local upscale senior living facilities—Germantown Plantation Senior Living Community in Germantown, TN and Silvercreek Senior Living Community in Olive Branch, MS. His heart for ensuring the well-being of seniors begat a legacy of quality in the industry that sets the standard in our area.

Jerry was a life-time athlete who competed in tennis, softball, football, golf, and even ping-pong. He was proud to be inducted into the Memphis Amateur Sports Hall of Fame in 2001 where he was recognized for outstanding achievement, sportsmanship, and character as an Adult Team Manager/Coach. He loved Ole Miss football and University of Memphis basketball and followed both avidly.

Jerry loved a challenge and accomplished anything he set his mind to. His motto was always “if Plan A doesn’t work, go to Plan B.” He had a generous, kind heart. He will be truly missed by his wife of 27 years, his family, his friends, and the staff.

Visitation will be at Memphis Funeral Home on Poplar, Saturday, July 1st at 1:00 p.m. with funeral services following at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family requests all donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in lieu of floral remembrances.