Dr. Jerry L. Kennedy at the age of 82 passed away unexpectedly at his home on Feb. 3, 2024.  He was born on Jan. 11, 1942 in Knoxville to parents Helen Crosby and Ausbie Ledford Kennedy.  He was the second of three children (Brother Charles Kennedy, M.D., deceased, and surviving sister Nancy Thomas of Winter Haven, Florida). As Jerry grew up, he was quickly identified as a creative thinker, a dedicated caregiver, a man of action, a devoted family man, and a loving, faithful servant of God. He will long be remembered by his family, his friends, and his community for his generous spirit and his loving compassion.  He devoted his life to making the world a warmer, happier place. He attended University of Tennessee and graduated the University of Tennessee Medical School in 1966.  He completed his residency at Chattanooga’s Baroness Erlanger Hospital in General Surgery from 1966-1971, serving as Chief Resident of surgery. During that time, he met and married his sweetheart, Elizabeth Solomon, in 1969. Immediately after leaving Erlanger he joined the Air Force and served his active duty at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas. While there, he was appointed Deputy Commander of Professional Services, and Chief of Surgical Services. He earned his promotion to Major before leaving McConnell. He was proud to wear his Veteran’s hat and eager to talk to other service people about their military experiences. Upon completion of his military term, he and Liz moved to Tullahoma where he started his medical practice. As a caregiver, Jerry was a dedicated physician and surgeon. He came to Harton Hospital as the first Board Certified Surgeon and proud Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He was blessed to practice surgery for 48 years, 40 of which were in Tullahoma.

For many years he served as Chief of Staff at Harton Regional Medical Center, now known as Vanderbilt Medical Center.  He also served on the University of Tennessee College of Medicine Alumni Council. He also served the military as the clinic doctor on the AEDC Air Force Base for 18 years. Known for his caring bedside manner to his patients throughout the years, earning their tremendous loyalty as an expert diagnostician and a highly skilled surgeon, known for his steady hands and sensitive, caring bedside manner. He often went way beyond appointment times as he carefully listened and integrated whole person care and attention to detail. He retired on Dec. 13, 2013—hanging up his professional shingle to begin another active phase of life. As a man of action, Jerry donated many hours to his volunteer work—always offering a hand out to help and a hand up for those in need. He was a 30-plus-year member of Tullahoma Rotary Club, he was closely associated with Motlow State College for decades, and he served on the UTSI Advisory Board for dozens of years.

He was a builder and engineer at heart, adding construction jobs and doing repair projects at home. He loved to “Jerry-rig” things and took great pride in his economical problem-solving skills. As a devoted family man, Jerry had tremendous energy to laugh, play, pull pranks, and carry out practical jokes. He loved Halloween and always looked forward to handing out treats (especially when he found a good deal on candy!). He celebrated Christmas like a true Santa Claus, with bulging pockets and sweet surprises.  Likewise, Easter and Derby Day were occasions for big celebrations.  He loved to water ski and fish off his boat and went on numerous fishing trips with his buddies. He was full of wanderlust and eagerly jumped at the opportunity for a trip, whether to his favorite city of Chicago, the beach, the mountains, or halfway around the world to countries throughout Europe and later, Israel and Egypt. 

Perhaps his greatest love was becoming a full-time Grandad. He looked forward to driving his Grands to all their lessons, recitals, and especially to picking them up from school when he got the excited first hand re-telling of their day. He loved to go to musicals, theater, and plays. Jerry was always ready for fun and knew how to create good times and great memories. As a man of God, Jerry practiced his faith daily.  He was a member of First Christian Church of Tullahoma for more than 50 years.  When away, he made sure to check out the local churches and seldom missed attending services, regardless of where he traveled.   Jerry served in a number of church positions throughout the years, especially offering his wisdom and guidance as a Deacon and an Elder. He loved singing in the church choir, and the Sonshine Singers; his full baritone added richness and depth to many cantatas and special choir performances.

Jerry will be sadly missed by his survivors: wife Elizabeth, children Karen Kennedy of Queens, NY, and Dr. Clark Kennedy (wife Dena), and Kelly Kennedy, granddaughters Catelyn Kennedy, Evalee Kennedy and Zoey Kennedy, all of Chattanooga, sister Nancy, and several nieces and nephews. His beloved dog Bea will greatly miss her walks and long car rides with her gentle master. The world truly lost a great man with Jerry’s death.  He seldom met a stranger, and that person never remained a stranger for very long because he reached out and touched his new acquaintances. Jerry left them grateful to have made a new friend whose hearty laugh, twinkling blue Irish eyes, had warmed their hearts.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 10 a.m. – noon at First Christian Church with a memorial service to immediately follow at noon with Rev. Tom Murdock officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Jerry’s memory to First Christian Church, St. Jude’s Hospital or the Tullahoma Animal Shelter.

Kilgore Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Tullahoma News – Feb. 7, 2024