Jere Kail, Sr.

Jere Mack Kail, Sr., 76, passed away on Tuesday, February 21, 2023.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sherry Freeman Kail and his children, Jenny Kail Hopper (Joey), Jere Mack Kail, Jr. (Kelli), and Shiloh Kail Leake (George).  He also leaves behind nine grandchildren, Mary Scott and Everett Tritt, Chloe and Bailey Hopper, Brady and Sarah Kail, and Kail, Anna Frances, and Chess Leake who all loved to call him Jet. He is also survived by his sister, Geneva Davis, and his brothers, Franklin and Bernard Kail as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mary Dee Kail; a grandson, Eli Freeman Tritt; sister, Juanita French; and two brothers, Arnold and David Barnett.

Jere was born on September 13, 1946 and raised in Bells, TN.  He graduated from Bells High School.  He worked at Tennessee Farmer’s Co-op Warehouse and owned U-Tote-Em Grocery in Bells.  He worked as a plumber and electrician for Pete North, then he was the owner of Jere M. Kail Electric and Plumbing where he compassionately and reliably cared for his customers.  He retired as general manager of County Wide Utility District in Alamo.

He was a member of Alamo First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  Formerly, he served as elder and chairman of the board at Bells First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  He served the community as a little league baseball coach, City of Bells alderman, Crockett County Food and Shelter committee, and City of Bells Parks and Recreation committee.  He volunteered for the local Boy Scout troop and helped with many other projects for the county and the church.

Jere was known for his strong work ethic, helpful nature, and joyful personality.  He was an avid gardener, master woodworker, and locally renowned petunia perfectionist.  He loved outdoor adventures with his adored dog, Gus.

Visitation will be held Thursday, February 23, 2023 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Alamo First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Alamo, TN. Visitation will continue Friday, February 24, 2023, at noon with funeral services following at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Dee Wells and Pastor Doug Wede officiating

.Pallbearers are Mack Kail, George Leake, Joey Hopper, Everett Tritt, Kail Leake, Brady Kail, and Chess Leake.  Honorary pallbearers are Bob Pigue and Chad Williams.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or the charity of the donor’s choice in memory of Jere.