Jerry Wayne Thompson

Jerry Thompson, 69, of Ooltewah, TN passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 11th, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters. 

Jerry was born on Veteran’s Day in 1948 and grew up in China Grove, North Carolina. He made his family very proud when he was appointed to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point.  He graduated in 1971 then continued to serve our country for six years.  His service took him to Fort Bragg, North Carolina and then Giessen, Germany where he served as a US Army Field Artillery Officer.  While in Germany, Jerry’s two daughters were born, as well as his great love for Porsches. 

Jerry moved back to the United States in 1977, residing first in Maine and then in Tennessee.  He launched his civilian career and held a variety of roles in Human Resource Management.  He and his wife, Nancy, were married in 1991 and were fortunate to share many adventures traveling the world together. 

Jerry was an avid car enthusiast who actively participated in the local and national BMW and Porsche car clubs; he won many trophies and made many friends there. Jerry was also a dedicated and talented teacher at the Ooltewah United Methodist Church where he touched and influenced many lives.  He is forever remembered for his sense of humor and his commitment to doing things the right way instead of the easy way.  Some of his fondest memories were of trips to Maine and Disney World with his family.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Nancy, his mother, Evelyn Smith, and his two daughters, Jennifer Strong and Heather Paquette, who both reside in New England.  He loved his four grandchildren, Kaylie (12), Ben (9), Audrey (7), and Kaitlyn (6) and created countless smiles and happy memories with them.  Jerry’s other family includes two son-in-laws, Anthony Strong and Brian Paquette, a mother-in-law, Joanne Weyers, brother-in-law, Rick Shipner, and his wife, Barb, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his father, James Smith. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ooltewah United Methodist Church’s mission program or the Class of 1971 Gift Fund-WPAOG, 698 Mills Rd West Point, NY 10996 in memory of Jerry Thompson. 

The family will receive friends from 5-7pm on Thursday, June 14th at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road.

Funeral service will be held at 11:30 am on Friday, June 15th at Ooltewah United Methodist Church; burial will follow at the Chattanooga National Cemetery.

Please visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share words of sympathy and view the memorial tribute.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.