Jerry Wayne Whitson

Jerry Wayne Whitson, age 79, of Crossville, TN, passed away on April 14, 2025, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center.

Mr. Whitson was born on April 13, 1946, in Nashville, TN, son of the late James Everette Whitson and Emma Jean (Glennon) Whitson. His family moved to Crossville when Jerry was 16. They became owner/operators of the Crossville Memorial Airport. He would get his pilot’s license at same time as his driver’s license and continued to fly for many years. He was a proud graduate of Cumberland County High School where he was a barefoot kicker on the football team. He loved sharing the story and video of the 1964 Strawberry Bowl.

After working at Goodyear and co-owning an Exxon in Crossville, Jerry opened his current business in 1974. He loved buying and selling cars and was the ultimate negotiator. As he began detailing cars, he wanted all of them to shine with his special “Whitsonized” touch. He would still be doing that same work today if he could.

Jerry was always a character. He loved to tell stories and corny jokes, drive around Crossville in his many jeeps, play the lottery, and was a friend to everyone. He frequented all the local restaurants on a regular basis and was sad to see the Edgewood go because he would miss catching up with his buddies on the local happenings.

He was incredibly proud of all his family and loved talking about all of them. In the last few years, he had a grand time finding new adventures with his best friend, Colleen. He also spent lots of time with his “best friend, best pal, best buddy,” Christian.

He is survived by his best friend and sweetheart, Colleen Thivierge; children, Tammy Gorman (Bill), Kimberly Whitson-Herring, and Jason Whitson (Valorie); grandchildren, Trent Palmer (Meghan), Kaley Wilson (Matt), Dylan Palmer (Bri), Hogan Herring, Jordan Herring, Shania Povlock and Christian Whitson; 6 great grandchildren and 1 on the way; sister, Latricia Bradshaw (Mark); and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jerry is preceded in death by his brothers, Dennis Whitson and Whit Whitson.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Jerry on Tuesday, April 22nd at 4pm at Buck Creek Ranch. Everyone is invited to come and share a fond memory.

Arrangements and Care provided by Bilbrey Funeral Home and Cremation Service.