Jerry E. McNeil

Published 4:14 pm Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Jerry E. McNeil, 72, Johnson City, entered into eternal rest on April 7, 2025, at his residence after a lengthy illness.

Jerry was born in Carter County, Tenn. He was the son of Betty Arnett McNeil and the late Fred McNeil. He was preceded in death by his father; his maternal grandparents, Paul and Grace (Simerly) Arnett; his paternal grandparents, Wesley and Mae McNeil; and several uncles and aunts.

Jerry was a longtime member of Sinking Creek Baptist Church and attended regularly until his health prevented him from being able to attend in person. He enjoyed watching the services every week online. Jerry was a member of Carter County Cattlemen’s Assoc. He was most proud of being a 51½-year member of the Freemasons, serving at the Hampton Masonic Lodge #750, Hampton, Tenn., and as Worshipful Master in 2011 and 2019.

Jerry enjoyed farming along with his brothers-in-law on the family farm, raising high-quality Angus cattle and baling plenty of hay for the winter months. He loved taking care of the herd and making pets out of any cow or bull he could feed and pet. Jerry had a great sense of humor, and his infectious laughter could light up any room. He also had a love for whistling, often heard whistling tunes while working on the farm or spending time with loved ones.

Those left to remember and cherish his memory include his wife of 49 years, Carolyn Crumley McNeil; mother, Betty Arnett McNeil; sister, Judy McNeil; several uncles, aunts and cousins; brother-in-law, Tom Crumley and Sam McAmis; sister-in-law, Johnnie Lyons; and special nieces and nephews. He was a friend to everyone he met and has several special friends left to cherish his memory, including Ken Potter Jr., Cotton Stevens, Richard Sutphin, Jim McNeil, Eli Wiseman and Brent Fannon; members of Hampton 750 Lodge; members of Sinking Creek Baptist Church; and friends and neighbors of Jarrett Buck Loop.

Special thank you to Jerry’s doctors and medical team who have been so good caring over the past years — Melissa Leake, NPA; nurse Heather; Dr. Paul Benson; Dr. Kyle Colvett; and Dr. Kanishka Chakraborty. Thank you all for all of your love and support.

Services will be held at Hathaway-Percy, Elizabethton, Tenn., on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 6 p.m. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. The funeral, with Masonic rites accorded by Hampton Masonic Lodge #750, will follow. The funeral will be led by Pastor Chuck Babb.

Jerry will be interred at Happy Valley Memorial Park on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 1 p.m. All those wishing to be part of the service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 12:50 p.m. Pallbearers will be Mark Tester, David Cole, Ken Potter Jr., Jim McNeil, Tyson Black and Sam McAmis. Honorary pallbearers will include Cotton Stevens, Richard Sutphin, Tom Crumley, R.J. Arnett, Bob Arnett, Randy Arnett and Andy Arnett.

If you would like to make a donation in Jerry’s memory, the family requests that you consider donating to Hampton Masonic Lodge #750 F&AM, 509 First Ave., Hampton, TN 37658, or Sinking Creek Baptist Church, 2313 Elizabethton Hwy., Johnson City, TN 37601 (sinkingcreek.org).

Words of sympathy may be shared with the family by visiting our website at www.hathawaypercy.com. Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home is honored to serve the McNeil family. Office phone: (423) 543-5544.