Gerald Ketchum

Gerald W. Ketchum, 66, of Dyersburg, died Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at his residence.   Born May 9, 1949 in Dyersburg, he is the son of Jean Moody Ketchum Jordan and the late Charles Wilburn Ketchum. He was an attorney, graduating from Memphis State University School of Law, commuting at night, while working full time as a Dyer County Deputy Sheriff.  Gerald was a graduate of Dyersburg High School, where he served as the first local president of Sigma Phi Omega Fraternity and later as the National President.  He attended Ole Miss and graduated from Arkansas State University, where he was a member and President of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity.  While attending Ole Miss, he was the managing editor of the Daily Mississippian; the first morning paper in the county to proclaim Nixon as the winner in the Presidential elections.  He was a former writer for the Dyersburg Mirror and was instrumental in the formation of the “Teen Page”.  Gerald was very active in the Dyersburg community, serving as a Boy Scout Master and financial supporter; Independence Day Fireworks organizer and operator for over 20 years; Christmas parade organizer for 15 years; and county chairman for the local Dyer County Republican Party.  He was a member and former 2 term Governor of the Dyersburg Moose Lodge and also served as Administrator for 7 years.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 16, 2016 in the Chapel of Curry Funeral Home conducted by Reverend Robert Craig with interment to follow in Fairview Cemetery.   

Pallbearers will be Eddie Burks, Charlie Dunn, T.J. Jones, Jimmy Moody, Marty Moody, Steve Stafford, Doug Wilkerson, Allen Williams and Mark Yates.

The family will receive friends Friday, April 15th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his daughter, Dr. Georgia Lee Ketchum of Pensacola, FL; his son, Alexander Wilburn Ketchum of Nashville; and his sister, Donna Jean Nye of The Woodlands, TX.

The family requests memorials be directed to Boy Scouts of America, West Tennessee Area Council, 1995 Hollywood Drive, Jackson, TN 38305, Shriner’s Children Hospital, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL, or to the Sons of the Confederate Veterans, P.O. Box 59, Columbia, TN  38402.

Arrangements entrusted to Curry Funeral Home, 1984 St. John Avenue, Dyersburg, TN  38024.  Online condolences may be made to the family at www.curryfuneral.com.