Obituary of Jerry Venable

Claiborne Funeral Home 1106 Hwy. 33 South New Tazewell, TN 37825 (423) 626 ? 2191 Fax (423) 626 ? 8440 ?JERRY? HORACE GREELY VENABLE, JR ?Jerry? Horace Greely Venable, Jr. ? age 64 of Baneberry, TN formally of Tazewell, TN. He was born June 17, 1943 and died January 6, 2008 surrounded by his family. He attended Claiborne County High School marrying his high school sweetheart October 23, 1960 at the age of 17. He was saved at an early age at Pleasant View Baptist Church and was a member at Tazewell Baptist Church. He worked at Ford Motor in Hapeville, GA from 1965-1968. Jerry was a graduate of Lincoln Memorial University in 1971 and worked at Tazewell?s Florist during college until 1971. He worked for the Department of Human Services for Claiborne County before he first joined Clayton Homes in 1975 working in Sales and Management in Middlesboro, KY. In 1980 he took a leave to help his wife, Mary Lou, with the family business, Venable Buck Stoves. Jerry returned to Clayton in 1985 and retired after 24 years of total service in the summer of 2007. He managed sales centers in Harrisonburg, VA, Dublin, VA, Knoxville and most recent in 1997 he opened and managed Clayton Homes of Newport, TN for several years. He coached a Little League Basketball Team in Tazewell in the 70?s who were undefeated. Jerry devoted much time to the Tazewell Jaycees and was named ?Jaycee of the Year.? He worked tirelessly in community projects and the Claiborne County Fair for several years. Jerry was loved by all who knew him. He loved being with his family and the many friends he had through out his life including his childhood friends and classmates. Jerry is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 47 years, Mary Lou Duncan Venable. Daughter and Son in law, Elaine Venable Stapleton & Dr. Roy Steven Stapleton of Baneberry. The love of his life, Grand Daughter, Maria Grace Stapleton of Baneberry. The family pet and companion, Little Bit. Brothers and Sisters-in-Law: Edward Bolton Venable & wife, Brenda of Tazewell; Joe Dan Venable & Wife, Sylvia of Dover, DE; Marshall David Venable & wife, Dorothy of Dundee, MI. Sister and Brother-in-Law: Jane Venable Duncan & husband Brian of Powell Uncle: Carl Bolton & wife, Greta of Tazewell. Aunts: Marie Davis of Oak Ridge Jewell Barnard and husband, Lewis, of Athens Ruth Stiner of Michigan Louise Venable of Middlesboro, KY Sister-in-Laws: Dorothy Duncan Johns of Knoxville Ann Estes & husband Dennis of Tazewell Margaret Love & husband, Dean of Tazewell Brother-in-Laws: Joe Tyler Duncan, & wife, Betty of New Tazewell Johnny Duncan of Zavalla, Texas Bill & wife Peggy DeBusk of New Tazewell NIECES: Shannon Venable Addison & husband, John of Houston, TX Melissa Venable Barber of FL Lynn Venable Koch & husband, Steve of Michigan Beth Venable of Michigan Jody Duncan Beason & husband, Anthony of New Tazewell Jayme Duncan Phillips & husband Patrick, of Knoxville Darlene Love Massengill & husband, Silas of New Tazewell Jackie Duncan Clifton & husband Murrell, of Zavalla, TX Judy Duncan Fontenot & husband David, of Zavalla, TX Jenny Duncan of Lake Charles, LA NEPHEWS: Travis Edward Greely Venable & wife, Callie of Halls Joseph Greely Venable of FL David DeBusk & wife, Teresa of Halls Doug DeBusk & wife, Becky of New Tazewell Allen Day & wife, Teresa of New Tazewell Gary Estes of New Tazewell Steve Day & wife, Jo Lee of Zavalla, TX Rev. Bill Duncan & wife Beth of Tazewell Randy Love & wife, Tracy of New Tazewell Jerry leaves many cousins, other relatives and friends to mourn his passing PRECEDED IN DEATH BY: Parents: Horace Greely Venable, Sr. & Opal Pearlie Bolton Venable of Tazewell Stepmother: Margineal Hurst Venable of Tazewell Sister-in-law: Eva DeBusk of New Tazewell Nephews: Artie Greene & Mike Day Brother-in-law: Oscar Johns Parents in Law: Gracie Newby Duncan & Tyler Duncan of Tazewell Grandparents: Dan & Pearlie Vannoy Bolton of Tazewell Horace & Mae Bray Venable of Tazewell Aunts & Uncles: Robert Venable of Middlesboro, KY Mollie & Estelle Brooks of Tazewell Essie & Dewey Marsee of Rutledge Lois & Bert Epperson of Tazewell Mae & Nelson Bray of Maryville Everett & Gladys Bolton of Maryville The family will receive friends from 3 until 7 PM, Wednesday January 9, 2008 at Claiborne Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 7 PM in the Claiborne Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Bill Duncan and Reverend Eddie Overholt officiating. Music will be provided by Irving Gipson & Marty Reece. Graveside service will be Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 11 AM in the Fairview Cemetery. Pallbearers: Nephews Claiborne Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.