Jerry Hendrix Obituary

Jerry L. Hendrix September 5, 2024

Jerry L. Hendrix, a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away at home on September 5, 2024, at the age of 77. He is survived by his wife, Eileen Hampton Hendrix; their son, Chad (Anne); their grandson, Hugo; his sisters Judy (Bob) Clark and Jane (Tony) McKeehan, both of Johnson City; his brother Wayne (Lisa) Hendrix, of Richmond, VA; a sister-in-law, Brenda (Keith) Pearson; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Preceding him in death along with his parents, were his sisters Joyce Hendrix and Phyllis (John) Orr, and a beloved nephew, Todd McKeehan.

Born in March 1947 to Leon and Aleta Smalling Hendrix, Jerry was a proud graduate of Happy Valley High School, class of 1965. Shortly after, he served in the Army Reserve for five years. In 1967, Jerry married his high school sweetheart, Eileen, beginning a partnership that would last fifty-seven years. Together, they built a life full of love, laughter, and shared adventures. After more than 31 years of dedicated work as a field engineer with the Johnson City Power Board, Jerry retired, eventually allowing him and Eileen to spend their winters in central Florida, where they enjoyed the warmth and community of their seasonal home.

A lifelong member of Central Community Christian Church, he served his congregation and community in many ways, including as chief of the Central Volunteer Fire Department in 1975-76, and more recently as chairman of the fire department's board. His commitment to service extended beyond his professional and volunteer roles; no matter if it was a friend or a stranger in need, Jerry was always ready to lend a hand, stepping in to do whatever needed to be done with quiet humility and a dry sense of humor. He was a tinkerer at heart, keeping duct tape and his Leatherman tool close at hand, which he used to help anyone in a pinch -- whether repairing a stranger's busted radiator hose or freeing a child who had their head stuck in the spindles of a restaurant chair.

After retiring, Jerry devoted much of his time to restoring his father's Allis Chalmers tractor. He showcased the tractor at various events, but his true passion lay in the quiet hours spent tinkering with it in his workshop, perfecting every detail.

Jerry will be remembered for his quiet strength, gentle kindness, and profound decency. His humor, often delivered matter-of-factly, could turn any situation into a moment of shared laughter. He could drop in an unexpected joke, often leaving others in stitches with his understated humor. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched, the countless repairs he made, and the laughter he inspired. He will be deeply missed but long remembered.

Jerry's celebration of life service will be held at Central Community Christian Church (137 Hopkins Road, JC) on Tuesday, September 10. Receiving of friends will be 5-7pm with service to follow at 7 p.m. with Todd Wolfe, Minister, Billy Murphy, Minister and Ken Overdorf, Ministers officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Central Community Christian Church or Central Volunteer Fire Department, reflecting Jerry's lifelong commitment to service and community. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.memorialfc elizabethton.com.

Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Hendrix family.