Jerry Alan Wormsley

Jerry Alan Wormsley, 80, of Soddy Daisy, Tennessee, passed away on March 9, 2026.

Born and raised in the Chattanooga area, Jerry attended Falling Water Elementary and Kirkman Technical High School, where he studied radio and television repair. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. While in college, he married the love of his life, Barbara Jean, in 1965. Together they built a life centered on family, and Jerry remained close to his siblings and cousins throughout his years. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren, always encouraging their dreams and interests.

Jerry’s passions included cave exploring, hiking, ham radio, genealogy, Civil War and Native American history, and Civil War relic hunting. He carefully edited and organized diary notes from the Spring Place Moravian Mission to the Cherokees from the early 1800s. His professional life was equally varied and accomplished; he worked as a cartographer, accountant, and repair and calibration technician before supervising one of the South’s leading standards laboratories. He dedicated 30 years to the Tennessee Valley Authority, retiring at the age of 49.

Deeply committed to historical preservation, Jerry helped care for the Tyner/Silverdale Confederate Cemetery since his high school days, supported Levi Cemetery, presented educational programs on Civil War and Native American history, and volunteered with the National Park Service. He was a longtime active member of Union Springs Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Barbara Jean Wormsley; his son, John Anthony Wormsley; and his grandson, Ricky Griffin. He is survived by his children, Jeffrey (Kathy) Wormsley, Cindy (Jack) Whitley, and Scott (Cindy) Wormsley; his brother, Lee Wormsley; his sister, Anne Adams; grandchildren Randy Griffin, Tonya Anderson, Mark Whitley, Adam Whitley, and Amy Whitley; great-grandchildren Christopher Griffin, Kamden Anderson, Brynleigh Anderson, Alice Whitley, and Jayden Whitley; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.