Obituary of Jerry Edward Grayson

Jerry Edward Grayson, currently of Hixson, Tennessee and formerly of Jonesboro, Georgia, passed away at the age of 84 on Friday, November 23, 2018 surrounded by family. Jerry was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee on March 13, 1934 to Roy and Louise (Deakins) Grayson. He was a 1952 graduate of Forest Park High School in Forest Park, Georgia and a 1957 graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Business Administration. In 1958, he enlisted in The United States Marine Corps where he served as a Private First Class as active duty and later in the Reserves for a number of years.

On December 9, 1962, Jerry married Dorothy Gwendolyn Partin in Morrow, Georgia. They raised three daughters together: Jan Margaret, Amy Sabrina, and Jill Louise.

Jerry lived in Clayton County, Georgia for most of his life.  He owned the Midas Muffler Shop in Forest Park from the mid-1970’s through the early 1980’s, and later started his own company, Jerry Grayson Reproductions, to create custom parts for antique cars.  He also worked at Clayton County Voter Registration until retirement.

Jerry was an antique car enthusiast and an active member of the Early Ford V-8 Club of Georgia. He restored many Fords throughout his life and was one of the country’s leading experts on early Ford V-8 automobiles and their authentic restoration. Also, he was a member of the Forest Park Masonic Lodge.

He was an avid reader who enjoyed history, Biblical archeology, and politics. Because of his varied interests, Jerry’s talent for conversation and sense of humor were incomparable.

Jerry and Gwen were active members of McDonough Road Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Georgia. He and Gwen were fortunate enough to have many life-long friends, and they loved to socialize. Some of his most cherished memories were cheering on his beloved Georgia Bulldogs with family and friends throughout the years.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 55 years, Gwen Partin Grayson; three daughters, Jan Grayson Capes (Pat Capes), Amy Grayson Adams (Gene Adams), Jill Grayson Scalia (Ted Scalia); and seven grandchildren, Patrick Adams (Franklin Vides), Bonnie Adams, Claire Adams, Emma Capes, Davis Capes, Clark Scalia, and Audrey Scalia.

A funeral service will be held for Jerry on Monday, November 26 at Reed Funeral Home in Whitwell, Tennessee. Visitation will precede the service at 10:00 a.m., and the funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. The burial will follow the funeral at the Davis Cemetery in Powells Crossroads. Full military honors will be provided by the Sequatchie Valley Honor Guard.

Additionally, a memorial service will be held on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at McDonough Road Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America or to McDonough Road Baptist Church.

Funeral services entrusted to Reed Funeral Home, 11675 Hwy 28, Whitwell, TN.  Online condolences can be made at www.reedfamilyfh.com